Authentic Margherita Pizza

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup (240ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
2. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
3. Let dough rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Punch down the risen dough and divide into 2-4 portions.
5. Shape the pizza: On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 10-12 inches in diameter. Transfer to a pizza pan or parchment paper dusted with semolina.
6. Add toppings: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Add sliced mozzarella evenly across the surface.
7. Bake the pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in spots.
8. Finish and serve: Remove from oven, immediately top with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing.