With its crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves, the Pizza Margherita is considered as the mother of all pizzas.
This classic pizza recipe originated in Naples, Italy, and was named after the Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples in the 19th century. The pizza was created to honor the colors of the Italian flag, with the red of the tomato sauce, white of the mozzarella cheese, and green of the basil leaves.
The History of Pizza Margherita
The history of the Pizza Margherita can be traced back to the 18th century when the poor people of Naples would bake flatbreads and top them with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
However, the modern-day pizza, as we know it, was created in Naples in 1889 when the pizza chef Raffaele Esposito was asked to prepare a special pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples with her husband, King Umberto I.
Esposito created a pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil, which represented the colors of the Italian flag. The queen was so impressed with the pizza that she declared it her favorite and thus, the Pizza Margherita was born.
The pizza became an instant hit in Naples and soon spread to other parts of Italy and the world.
The Recipe for Pizza Margherita
The Pizza Margherita is a simple pizza that requires just a few ingredients, but it is the perfect combination of flavors that makes it so delicious. Here is the recipe for one 12-inch pizza:.
- 1 pound (16 ounces) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to the desired shape and thickness. Place the dough on a lightly oiled pizza pan or baking sheet.
Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Arrange the cheese slices on top of the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza.
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Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle the fresh basil leaves on top. Slice and serve hot.
Variations of Pizza Margherita
The Pizza Margherita is a classic pizza that can be enjoyed as it is, but there are several variations that you can try to make it more interesting. Here are a few variations:.
Arugula Pizza Margherita
Add a handful of arugula leaves on top of the pizza before baking to add a peppery flavor and crunch to the pizza.
Pesto Pizza Margherita
Spread some pesto sauce over the tomato sauce before adding the cheese. This adds a rich, garlicky flavor to the pizza.
Mushroom Pizza Margherita
Add some sautéed mushrooms on top of the cheese before baking. This adds a meaty flavor and texture to the pizza.
Cooking Tips for Pizza Margherita
Here are some cooking tips that will help you make the perfect Pizza Margherita:.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor.
- Do not overload the pizza with toppings as this can make the crust soggy.
- Preheat the oven to get a crispy crust.
- Do not over-bake the pizza as this can cause the cheese to burn.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set before slicing.
Conclusion
The Pizza Margherita is a classic pizza that has stood the test of time. It is a simple pizza that requires just a few ingredients but delivers an explosion of flavors.
Whether you are a fan of pizza or not, you cannot deny the appeal of the Pizza Margherita. So, the next time you crave pizza, try making a delicious and authentic Pizza Margherita.
