Pizza Margherita Recipe

by

If you’re ready to dive into the world of authentic Italian flavors, Chef Anna invites you to try her classic Pizza Margherita recipe! 🍕 With just a few fresh ingredients—tomato, mozzarella, and basil—you’ll create a pizza that’s bursting with flavor and tradition. Simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients:

  • For the Dough:
    • 500g pizza flour (Type 00)
    • 300g water
    • 5g fresh yeast
    • 20g extra virgin olive oil
    • 17g salt
  • For the Toppings:
    • 140g tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano tomatoes)
    • 250g fresh mozzarella
    • Fresh basil leaves
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix water with fresh yeast. Slowly incorporate the flour while kneading until smooth. Add salt and olive oil towards the end. Let the dough rise for 3-4 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Shape the dough: On a floured surface, gently shape the dough into a circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker.
  3. Add the sauce: Spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving a 2 cm border for the crust.
  4. Add mozzarella: Tear fresh mozzarella into small pieces and spread them over the sauce.
  5. Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 250°C for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
  6. Finish with basil: Add fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil as soon as the pizza is out of the oven.

Enjoy your homemade Pizza Margherita. 🍕

History of Pizza Margherita:

The Pizza Margherita has a rich history dating back to 1889 in Naples, Italy. Legend has it that Raffaele Esposito, a renowned pizzaiolo (pizza maker), created this pizza to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy during her visit to Naples. Esposito crafted three pizzas for her, and the one she liked most was the simple combination of tomato (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green)—the colors of the Italian flag. To honor the queen, the pizza was named Margherita. This moment helped elevate pizza from a simple dish for the poor to one recognized and enjoyed by royalty​​.

Health Benefits of Pizza Margherita:

Though pizza is often seen as indulgent, Pizza Margherita offers several health benefits when made with fresh, quality ingredients:

  1. Rich in Nutrients:
    • Tomatoes (San Marzano, often used in authentic recipes) are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a lower risk of certain cancers and heart disease. They are also rich in vitamin C and potassium.
  2. Good Source of Protein:
    • Mozzarella cheese provides a good amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. It also contains calcium, vital for bone health.
  3. Healthy Fats:
    • The use of extra virgin olive oil in both the dough and as a topping provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and help lower bad cholesterol levels.
  4. High in Fiber:
    • The base of Pizza Margherita, made from pizza flour (type 00), is light and digestible, and when made with whole wheat flour, it adds fiber to aid digestion and improve satiety.
  5. Fresh Basil:
    • Basil is rich in vitamins A, K, and C, along with minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can support immune function.
  6. Moderation-Friendly:
    • Pizza Margherita is a lighter option compared to heavier pizzas loaded with meat or processed toppings. With its simple, fresh ingredients, it’s a delicious choice that balances taste and nutrition.

#Pizza# Pizza Margherita#pizza flour#

Leave a Comment