Flans and Baked Dishes Recipes - Pizza Margherita Recipe

Ingredients

• 20 g/3/4 oz yeast

• 300 g/11 oz flour

• 1 pinch salt

• olive oil for the baking sheet

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• flour for the work surface  

For the topping:

• 500 g/18 oz fresh tomatoes

• 250 g/9 oz mozzarella

• 1 small bunch basil

• salt

• ground white pepper

• 6 tablespoons olive oil

Serves 4

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Method:

1. To make the dough: crumble the yeast which should be at room temperature) in a cup, add 2 tablespoons lukewarm water and stir. Sift the flour into a large bowl, add salt and make a well in the centre. Pour in the yeast mixture and sprinkle a little flour on top. Put in a warm place to rise until it has doubled in size.

2. Add 125 ml/4 fl oz (1/2cup) of lukewarm water to the risen dough and work vigorously by hand or with the dough hook of the mixer.

3. Knead vigorously until the dough becomes smooth with an elastic consistency. Shape into a ball, cover and put in a warm place to rise until it has doubled in height.

4. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F), Gas mark 7. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. On it, knead the dough again vigorously but briefly to work in the olive oil. Roll out flat on a lightly floured work surface and form a slightly raised edge.

5. For the topping: peel the tomatoes, cut them into quarters and remove the seeds. Cut the tomato quarters into strips and arrange on the pizza base. Now add the thinly sliced mozzarella and basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with olive oil. Bake the pizza on the bottom shelf of the oven for about 30 minutes.

Note: This famous pizza was created in honour of Queen Margherita of Italy, and it displays the three colors of the Italian flag: green basil, white mozzarella and red tomatoes.