History of Pizza Margherita:
Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian pizza that holds a special place in culinary history. Legend has it that the pizza was created in 1889 by Neapolitan pizza maker Raffaele Esposito. He was tasked with making a special pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was visiting Naples with her husband, King Umberto I.
To honor the queen and showcase the colors of the Italian flag—red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil)—Esposito created a pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. The queen reportedly loved this simple yet flavorful pizza, and thus, Pizza Margherita was born.
Recipe for Pizza Margherita:
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 200ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) lukewarm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 250-275°C or 480-530°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Shape the Pizza:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions (for two pizzas).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle or oval shape, about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add the Toppings:
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly over the pizza dough.
- Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into pieces and distribute it over the tomatoes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top.
- Bake the Pizza:
- If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. If using a baking sheet, simply place the baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil if desired.
- Slice the Pizza Margherita and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Margherita:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese (not the shredded kind), and fragrant basil leaves.
- Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and properly melted cheese.
- Handle the Dough Gently: Avoid overhandling the dough to maintain its texture and rise.
- Experiment with Flavors: While the classic Pizza Margherita is simple and delicious, you can add your own twist with additional toppings like olives, garlic, or prosciutto.
Conclusion:
Pizza Margherita exemplifies the essence of Italian cuisine—simple, yet bursting with flavor. Whether you’re savoring its history or creating it fresh in your kitchen, this iconic pizza is a timeless favorite that continues to delight pizza enthusiasts around the world.
