All recipes Cookies France Pastry About Contact Buy us a coffee
Pizza

Pizza

Universally beloved, pizza is a dish that originated in Italy, specifically from Naples. It is a versatile meal that consists primarily of a round, flat base of leavened wheat-based dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and condiments. Pizza's roots trace back to ancient times, but the modern pizza developed in Naples during the late 18th to early 19th century.

Pastry Italy Salty Easy

Margherita Pizza

In 1889, to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan pizzamaker Raffaele Esposito created the "Pizza Margherita," topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, to represent the national colors of Italy as shown on the Italian flag.

The Recipe

Yield Two 12-inch pizzas
Prep Time 20 minutes
Baking Time 10–15 minutes
Total Time 3 hrs 40 min

What you'll need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon or dough scraper
  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Pizza peel or flat baking tray (if using a pizza stone)

Ingredients

For the pizza dough

  • 500g (about 4 cups) pizza flour
  • 300ml (about 1⅓ cups) warm water
  • 2 tsp dry yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

  • 400g (about 1¾ cups) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional)

Toppings

  • 200g (about 2 cups) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Make the pizza dough Combine warm water and yeast, let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, mix until a dough begins to form. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the sauce Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  3. Assemble and bake Preheat oven to 250°C (480°F). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven as well. Punch down the risen dough and divide into two balls. Roll each out into a thin circle, about 30cm (12 inches). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Arrange mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake for 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  4. Serve Remove from the oven and immediately add fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Slice and serve immediately.