PIZZA MARGHERITA

Pizza Margherita is a typical Italian dish prepared according to a recipe of the Neapolitan chef Raffaele Esposito.

Pizza was first made in 1899 when  Margherita di Savoia, Queen of Italy, visited Naples. The main ingredients used to make a Pizza Margherita –  tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil - imitate the colours of the Italian flag.

Queen Margherita liked the pizza so much that she wrote a thanks letter to Esposito, who decided to name the pizza with the Queen’s name.

For the dough:

·         500 gr. flour 

·         25 gr. active dry yeast

·         1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

·         salt

·         necessary warm water

(It is possible to use basic pizza dough

For stuffing

·         200 gr mozzarella cheese, sliced

·         5/6 peeled tomatoes

·         extra virgin olive oil

·         6 fresh basil leaves cut into strips

·         parmigiano cheese

Directions

In a large bowl, combine yeast with water, olive oil, salt and stir well to proof.

After 5 minutes, add half of the flour and mix well to thoroughly incorporate.

Add all remaining flour except 1/2 cup and mix well with your hands. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead dough for at least 5 and up to 7 minutes, adding enough additional flour as necessary to form a smooth and elastic dough.

Dough should not be sticky. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl and turn to coat with oil.

Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, usually at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 260 °C (500 °F).