Invented in the 1800s, pizza Margherita showcases the colors of the Italian flag: red from the tomato sauce, white from the mozzarella, and green from the basil. The story goes that the Margherita is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, an Italian queen in the 1800s.
“Make perfect Margherita pizza at home anytime cravings strike. Nothing is nicer to make a bad day better with a slice of pizza.” Authentic Neapolitan pizza tonight: bubbly crust, crushed San Marzano, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt—no need for fresh tomato. Making and eating this delightful pizza with a fresh crowd!
I rarely, if ever, make bold statements about a recipe being the best. It makes me uncomfortable to declare something in all caps, even if it’s delicious. I’m terrified of you being disappointed if you try what I call the best-ever-recipe. I would hate for that to happen. However, I’m feeling very good and confident about this Margherita pizza recipe. I love it and am confident that you will too.
In 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples and was served a classic Margherita pizza, a thin-crust Italian pizza named in her honor. Legend has it that the pizza was made with the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves.
This creation, universally loved, marked the pizza’s origins. While traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, you can recreate this pizza at home with a rich homemade dough or store-bought, using a blazing hot oven and a sheet pan to produce a crisp yet chewy crust. The no-cook Neapolitan sauce, made from canned San Marzano crushed tomatoes and whipped up in just minutes, is essential for this pizza. It’s important not to overload the pizza with too many toppings—less is more to avoid a soggy crust.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Sans Marzano tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh Basil
- Oil and salt
- Red pepper flakes
Margherita Pizza Making
- Next, prepare the tomato sauce by blending tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt until smooth in a food processor
- Then, stretch the pizza dough on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal into a large oval shape. No need for special pizza peels or stones.
After preparing the tomato sauce, it’s time to add the toppings. Begin by spreading a generous 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough. Make sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edges of the dough without sauce. This border will allow the crust to rise and create a nice, chewy edge.
Once you’ve spread the sauce, you can add your desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, fresh basil leaves, sliced tomatoes, or any other ingredients you like on your pizza. Be creative and layer the toppings evenly over the sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Finally, bake the pizza according to your recipe’s instructions until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Enjoy your delicious homemade pizza!
Top the pizza with mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly over the tomato sauce and other toppings. This step is crucial for achieving that gooey, cheesy goodness in every slice. Adding mozzarella not only contributes to the rich and creamy flavor of the pizza but also helps bind the toppings together, creating a cohesive and satisfying bite. Once the mozzarella is added, continue with any additional toppings you desire before baking the pizza to perfection. This final touch of mozzarella ensures a delicious and indulgent homemade pizza experience.
Slide the pan back into the oven and cook until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 4 minutes more.
Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Sprinkle basil over the sliced pizza. Repeat this process with the remaining pizza dough and ingredients. If you want to bake both pizzas simultaneously, you can use two ovens. Alternatively, if you don’t mind the crust being a little thicker, you can shape the two dough balls into 8×12-inch rectangles and place them side by side on the baking sheet before baking.
Sauce:
Combine the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar in a small bowl to make the sauce. Mix the ingredients to combine. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother sauce, blend them in a food processor or blender. Note that this recipe makes enough sauce for four pizzas. You can refrigerate the extra sauce for up to one week, or freeze it for up to three months.
Conclusion:
The recipe for pizza Margherita not only offers a delicious and iconic dish but also tells a story steeped in history and cultural significance. It’s simple yet flavorful ingredients—tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil represent the colors of the Italian flag, making it a patriotic symbol. The tale of its creation, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, adds a royal touch to this humble dish, elevating it to a status beyond just food. This pizza is a testament to the importance of traditional recipes, showcasing how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special and enduring.
FAQ’S
Is Margherita pizza vegetarian?
Traditional pizza Margherita is not vegan due to its typical inclusion of mozzarella cheese, a dairy product. However, a vegan version of this classic can easily be made by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensuring that both the dough and sauce are free from animal products.
What does the traditional Margherita pizza symbolize with its toppings?
Margherita pizza is renowned for its ingredients, which symbolize the colors of the Italian flag. These ingredients include red tomato sauce, white mozzarella, and fresh green basil. When these delicious flavors are combined on a hand-kneaded pizza base, a universally-adored pizza is created.
What is the calorie count of a complete Margherita Pizza?
“Part of a balanced weekly calorie intake, pizza can be enjoyed every Saturday night without guilt. For example, a Margherita is a rich, healthy dish containing approximately 1,200 calories and all the necessary macros. Let’s now calculate the calorie content of various pizzas.”
Is Margherita pizza high in calories?
The American Dietetic Association estimates that the average number of calories in one serving or one slice of Margherita pizza is between 200 and 300, depending on the size of the pizza and the thickness of the crust.
What pizza is best for your diet?
“Eating the healthiest pizza involves making smart choices to fit a nutritious and balanced diet. Option for options like thin-crust or cauliflower-crust pizza, which can easily be part of a healthy meal plan. When it comes to toppings, focus on nutritious choices like vegetables, chicken, shrimp, and cheese. These toppings not only add flavor but also provide essential nutrients, making your pizza a wholesome and satisfying meal.”
Is pizza a healthier, lower-fat choice when compared to pasta?
Pizza typically contains more calories than pasta. A slice of pizza can have around 285 calories, while a cup of cooked pasta has about 220 calories. This higher calorie content in pizza is largely due to its higher fat content, especially in a slice of cheese pizza, which can be almost 9 grams higher in fat compared to a cup of cooked pasta.
