Homemade Margherita Pizza
Servings3
PreparationTime75 min
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 cups Lamtna all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- To prepare the Pizza dough, combine active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until the dough comes together. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- To assemble and bake the Pizza, preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go (usually around 475-500°F or 245-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- If using a pizza stone, sprinkle it with cornmeal. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the sauce, followed by the mozzarella cheese.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. If not using a stone, place the baking sheet with the pizza directly in the oven.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza and drizzle extra virgin olive oil.
- Let the pizza rest for a minute before slicing. Slice and serve immediately.
