Classic Italian Pizza Margherita

Take your taste buds on an Italian fling. Prepared with the simplest ingredients; fresh basil, tomato and chewy mozzarella, this pizza can transport you to Italy. If something is worth celebrating; make a Margherita!

Preparation time: 2 to 3 hours

Makes: 2; 10” pizzas

Ingredients

500 grams pizza dough

250 grams mozzarella cheese, sliced

500 grams (or 2 large) ripe tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup basil, cut into ribbons

1 clove garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

For making pizza dough

Add 2 cups all-purpose flour and one teaspoon salt. Make a well in the centre, add 1 teaspoon yeast and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add required quantity of water and knead the dough for about 5 minutes. It’s done when the dough is tacky. Cover and keep in an oiled bowl till the dough rises double its size. It may take from one to two hours.

Preparation

 Preheat the oven to 550°F. Divide the dough into two balls, and flatten them into 10” rounds.

Add the tomatoes, garlic and half quantity of basil in the food processor, and blend it into a smooth sauce.

Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, and top off with mozzarella slices. Add salt and pepper.

Place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes. If the crust is brown and cheese is bubbling, then the pizza is cooked.

Sprinkle with the remaining basil leaves, and serve once it cools down.