Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella
Ingredients:
For the pizza dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tbsp olive oil
For the sauce:
1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes (or tomato puree)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the toppings:
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
A handful of fresh basil leaves
Olive oil, for drizzling
Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until combined and a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the sauce:
Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
4. Assemble the pizza:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions if making two smaller pizzas.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a circle or desired shape.
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes on top.
5. Bake the pizza:
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or pizza stone) and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt.
6. Garnish and serve:
Add fresh basil leaves on top, and slice the pizza. Serve immediately!
This pizza features a crispy, slightly charred crust, a rich tomato sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves—just like the one in the description. Enjoy!