Margherita pizza is a delightful change from the traditional supreme or meat-lover’s pizza. It offers a vibrant and flavorful option that’s perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal. Its light and refreshing flavors make it an ideal choice for those warm summer days when a heavy, filling meal feels less appealing.
This pizza features a flavorful homemade sauce prepared with fresh canned tomato sauce. This sauce serves as a rich foundation for the toppings. Layered on top are slices of juicy, ripe Roma tomatoes and aromatic basil leaves. These fresh ingredients add a burst of color and flavor. The crust is stretched thin, achieving a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the flavorful toppings.
Health Benefits of Margherita Pizza
Beyond its amazing flavor, Margherita pizza stands out as a healthy choice. First, the ingredients are lower in fat compared to meat-based pizzas. Roma tomatoes are not only flavorful but also meaty. Romas also have a lower seed content than varieties like cherry or beefsteak. In addition, their reduced water content ensures that the pizza remains delightfully crisp rather than soggy.
Nutritionally, Roma tomatoes are a powerhouse. They are very low in calories while providing a good source of vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin K. They are rich in a beneficial nutrient called lycopene. This amazing carotenoid is known for its antioxidant properties. There are several benefits of lycopene, one being protection against sunburn. For a deeper exploration of the remarkable health benefits of Roma tomatoes, you can refer to the article Tomatoes 101 on Healthline.
Basil, another key ingredient, is a nutrient-dense herb packed with antioxidants that help shield the body from harmful free radicals. Studies suggest that basil may contribute to reducing blood pressure and lowering blood sugar levels. Additionally, this aromatic herb is believed to enhance memory and mood while alleviating anxiety, making it not just a flavorful addition to the pizza, but a beneficial one too.
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
Creating this mouthwatering Margherita pizza is a simple endeavor that requires only about 45 minutes of active preparation time. The pizza dough can either rise naturally at room temperature for two hours or can be made ahead of time and refrigerated throughout the day. Once ready to bake, the pizza takes just 15 minutes in the oven to achieve a perfect golden finish.
A single 16-inch Margherita pizza can easily be sliced into 8 generous pieces, making it perfect for a large family or group of friends. Should there be any leftovers—a rare occurrence, given the pizza’s deliciousness—they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To enjoy the pizza once more, simply reheat it in the oven at 425°F for 5 to 10 minutes, restoring its delightful crispiness and enhancing the fresh flavors.
Margherita Pizza
Equipment
- stand mixer
- Small saucepan
- Pizza pan
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 tsp Instant yeast
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 2/3 cup Warm water
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1⅔ cups Bread flour
Pizza Sauce
- 1 cup Tomato sauce
- 1/4 tsp Basil, dried
- 1/4 tsp Oregano, dried
Toppings
- 1 Roma tomato, sliced
- 8 Basil leaves, fresh
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
Pizza Crust
- In a stand mixer, combine the instant yeast, sugar, water, and salt. Allow to rest until the yeast begins to foam.
- Add the olive oil and bread flour to the bowl and turn the dough hook on low.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, or until all the flour is mixed into the dough and a dough ball is formed.
- Either cover and allow the dough to rise for two hours or cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. (If refrigerating the dough prior to baking, remove from the refrigerator 1 hour prior to shaping.)
Pizza Sauce
- Heat the tomato sauce, oregano, and basil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes.
- Once heated and slightly reduced, remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
Assembling the Pizza
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- Lightly dust a work surface and stretch the dough to a 16-18 inch circle.
- Place the dough onto a lightly floured pizza pan and poke holes in the dough using a fork.
- Cover the dough with the pizza sauce, spreading out to 1 inch from the outside.
- Sprinkle the cheese on to the pizza sauce.
- Layer the sliced tomatoes and basil onto the cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottom crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
