The Origin of Pizza Margherita

The most popular dish in Italy is arguably Pizza Margherita. This iconic dish is a symbol of Italian cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and rich flavors. Here’s a bit about Pizza Margherita and its recipe:

Pizza Margherita has a storied history, believed to have been created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 19th century. The colors of the pizza—red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil)—are said to represent the Italian flag. This dish is not only beloved in Italy but has also become a favorite worldwide, symbolizing the beauty of Italian culinary tradition.

Pizza Margherita: A Classic Italian Delight

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (can be homemade or store-bought)
• 250 ml tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano tomatoes, crushed)
• 250 grams fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally around 250°C (482°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. Or if you have a pizza oven, that is just perfect!
   
   
2. Tomato Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
   
   
3. Mozzarella: Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
   
   
4. Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (on the pizza stone if using) and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
   
   
5. Finish with Basil and Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
   
   
6. Serve: Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the classic flavors of a true Italian Pizza Margherita.