Published on

Pizza Margherita - The Authentic Taste of Campania

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
    Twitter

🍝 About This Dish

Pizza Margherita, a beloved dish from Campania, Italy, holds a special place in Italian culinary tradition. Legend has it that this pizza was created in 1889 by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy. The simple yet flavorful combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a thin crust represented the colors of the Italian flag. This historical context adds a touch of royalty to this humble yet iconic dish.

🌿 Ingredients Overview

  • 300g Italian 00 flour
  • 200g San Marzano tomatoes (Pomodori San Marzano)
  • 250g fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (Foglie di basilico)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Yeast
  • Sugar

✨ What Makes It Special

The beauty of Pizza Margherita lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. In Campania, where the dish originated, the pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven, imparting a unique smoky flavor. While variations exist, the true essence of Pizza Margherita lies in its fresh, local produce and the perfect balance of flavors.

📝 Ingredients

  • 300g Italian 00 flour
  • 200g San Marzano tomatoes
  • 250g fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Yeast
  • Sugar

👨‍🍳 Preparation Method

  1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl, then add the yeast mixture. Knead until you have a smooth dough.
  3. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature.
  5. Roll out the dough into a circle, then add the tomato sauce, torn mozzarella, and basil leaves.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice and serve hot.

⏰ Timing Guide

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Rising: 1-2 hours
  • Cooking: 10-12 minutes

🍷 Wine Pairing

For an authentic Italian experience, pair your Pizza Margherita with a light, fruity red wine like a Chianti or a crisp white wine such as a Pinot Grigio. Serve the pizza hot on a wooden board, allowing guests to help themselves, just like in a traditional pizzeria in Naples.

💭 Chef's Notes

  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic flavor.
  • Tear the fresh mozzarella instead of slicing for a rustic look.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like oregano for added flavor variations.

📦 Storage

Pizza Margherita is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a hot oven to maintain the crispiness of the crust.

Enjoy the taste of Campania with this classic Pizza Margherita recipe that captures the essence of Italian culinary tradition. Buon appetito!