Craving a delicious, homemade pizza but short on time? This vegetarian Margherita pizza recipe is the perfect solution! It's quick, easy, and delivers an authentic Italian taste that will impress even the most discerning pizza connoisseur. Forget takeout; this recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness, proving that healthy meals and delicious dishes can coexist perfectly. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we craft a simple yet satisfying pizza experience.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn't foam, your yeast may be dead, and you'll need a fresh batch.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if it's too sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is a crucial step for a light and airy crust.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Sauté garlic: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Simmer the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. This slow simmer develops a deeper, richer flavor.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat oven & prepare pan: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a 12-inch circle on the prepared baking sheet. You can use your hands or a rolling pin.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste!
Tips for Pizza Perfection:
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- If you don't have a pizza stone, a baking sheet works perfectly well.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or parmesan.
- Add other vegetables like roasted red peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variations:
- Spicy Margherita: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Pesto Margherita: Replace the tomato sauce with pesto for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
- Caprese Margherita: Add slices of fresh tomatoes and balsamic glaze for a classic Caprese flavor combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 15-20g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade vegetarian Margherita pizza! It's a quick dinner idea that’s perfect for any night of the week. This best recipe is sure to become a family favorite.