Posted by Pizza is one of the most popular and beloved dishes in the world, and it is not hard to see why. The crispy crust, the tangy tomato sauce, and the melty cheese all come together in a perfect bite that satisfies the senses in every way. There are many different types of pizza, but one of the most classic and beloved is the Margherita pizza. In this article, we will explore the history of this iconic pizza, the science behind its ingredients, and a recipe that will help you make the perfect Margherita pizza at home.
History of Margherita Pizza
Margherita pizza is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples in 1889. Legend has it that the queen was tired of the French cuisine she was being served and requested a local dish. A pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito was asked to make a pizza for the queen, and he created a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag: red tomato sauce, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves. The queen loved the pizza so much that it became known as the Margherita pizza, and it remains a classic to this day.
Ingredients of Margherita Pizza
The key ingredients of a Margherita pizza are simple: crust, sauce, cheese, and toppings. Let’s break down each of these components and explore the science behind them.
- Crust: The crust is the foundation of the pizza, and it is what holds everything together. There are many different types of pizza crusts, but for a Margherita pizza, a thin and crispy crust is best. The crust should be made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. These ingredients work together to create a dough that is easy to work with and produces a crispy crust when baked.
- Sauce: The sauce is what gives the pizza its tangy flavor and red color. The sauce for a Margherita pizza is simple, consisting of crushed tomatoes, garlic, salt, and olive oil. The acidity of the tomatoes helps to balance the richness of the cheese, while the garlic adds a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Cheese: The cheese is what makes the pizza creamy and delicious. For a Margherita pizza, fresh mozzarella cheese is the best choice. Fresh mozzarella is made from cow’s milk and has a soft, creamy texture that melts beautifully on the pizza. It also has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Toppings: The toppings for a Margherita pizza are simple: basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. The basil leaves add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the pizza, while the olive oil adds richness and helps to bring all the flavors together.
Recipe
Now that we have explored the history and ingredients of Margherita pizza, it is time to put it all together and make a delicious pizza at home. Here is a recipe for Margherita pizza that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
1 lb. pizza dough
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Handful of fresh basil leaves
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, garlic, salt, and olive oil.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin, round shape.
- Transfer the pizza dough to a lightly oiled baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Spoon the tomato sauce onto the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
- Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the cheese.
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish the pizza with fresh basil leaves and another drizzle of olive oil.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Perfect Margherita Pizza
- Use high-quality ingredients: The simplicity of the Margherita pizza means that the quality of the ingredients is crucial. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Keep the toppings simple: The beauty of the Margherita pizza is its simplicity. Don’t overload the pizza with too many toppings or it will become too heavy and the flavors will compete with each other. Stick to the classic toppings of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and olive oil.
- Preheat your oven: To get a crispy crust, it is important to preheat your oven to a high temperature. A pizza stone is also helpful, but not necessary. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet.
- Roll out the dough evenly: To ensure that your pizza cooks evenly, roll out the dough into a thin, even layer. This will prevent any areas of the pizza from being undercooked or overcooked.
Margherita pizza is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for over a century. Its simplicity is what makes it so beloved, and it is a dish that can be easily made at home with just a few high-quality ingredients. By following the recipe and tips in this article, you can create a delicious Margherita pizza that will rival any pizzeria. Whether you are enjoying it with friends and family or just enjoying a quiet night in, Margherita pizza is a dish that will always satisfy.
Top 5 Places to Try Margherita Pizza Around the World
Pizzeria da Michele – Naples, Italy: Pizzeria da Michele is a famous pizzeria in Naples, Italy, that has been serving up Margherita pizza for over 100 years. The restaurant is known for its simple menu, which includes only two types of pizza – Marinara and Margherita. The Margherita pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, and is baked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy crust. Pizzeria da Michele has become a must-visit destination for pizza lovers from around the world.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele – Rome, Italy: L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is another famous pizzeria in Italy that is known for its delicious Margherita pizza. The restaurant was founded in Naples in 1870 and opened its Rome location in 2007. The Margherita pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is made with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, and is baked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy crust.
Pizzeria Bianco – Phoenix, Arizona: Pizzeria Bianco is a renowned pizzeria in Phoenix, Arizona, that has gained worldwide recognition for its delicious Margherita pizza. The restaurant is known for its use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients, including organic flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and house-made mozzarella cheese. The Margherita pizza at Pizzeria Bianco is made with these fresh ingredients and is baked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy and flavorful crust.
Di Fara Pizza – Brooklyn, New York: Di Fara Pizza is a family-owned pizzeria in Brooklyn, New York, that has been serving up Margherita pizza since 1965. The restaurant is known for its attention to detail and its use of high-quality ingredients, including imported San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. The Margherita pizza at Di Fara Pizza is made with these fresh ingredients and is baked in a gas-fired brick oven for a crispy and flavorful crust.
Pizzeria Mozza – Los Angeles, California: Pizzeria Mozza is a popular pizzeria in Los Angeles, California, that is known for its delicious Margherita pizza. The restaurant is owned by celebrity chefs Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton, and Joe Bastianich, and is known for its use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. The Margherita pizza at Pizzeria Mozza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil, and is baked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy crust.
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