How to prepare Italian PIZZA

Making authentic Italian pizza involves attention to detail and high-quality ingredients. Here's a basic recipe for a classic Margherita pizza, one of the most iconic Italian pizza varieties:

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

3 1/2 cups (500g) all-purpose flour

1 1/4 cups (300ml) lukewarm water

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Toppings:

1 cup (250g) San Marzano tomato sauce

8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Fresh basil leaves

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

For the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.

3. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

For Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go (usually around 475-500°F or 245-260°C).

2. Divide the dough in half for two pizzas. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

3. Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.

4. Spread a thin layer of San Marzano tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a border around the edges.

5. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the sauce.

6. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper.

7. Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your homemade authentic Italian Margherita pizza! Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preferences.