What is Magherita pizza?

Margherita pizza is a traditional Neapolitan pizza named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, the wife of King Umberto I of Italy. It is said that she was amazed by the taste of a pizza created in her honour, and it became one of her favourites. It was prepared by Raffaele Esposito, a talented pizzaiolo(pizza maker) from the pizzeria "Pizzeria di Pietro e Basta Cosi".

To make Margherita pizza, a simple yet delicious combination of toppings is used, which represents the colours of the Italian flag:

Crust: The base of Margherita pizza is a soft and chewy pizza dough, typically made from a mixture of bread flour, water, olive oil, yeast, and salt. It is rolled out into a round shape, brushed with olive oil, and placed in a hot wood-fired oven.

Tomato sauce: The base is covered with a layer of crushed tomatoes, seasoned with salt, oregano, and olive oil. The tomatoes should be sweet, fresh, and of high quality.

Mozzarella cheese: Generous amounts of fresh mozzarella cheese are placed on top of the tomato sauce. The cheese should be sliced thinly and evenly distributed to ensure proper melting.

Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves are added to the pizza just before it comes out of the oven, giving a burst of flavour and fragrance to the dish.

Extra virgin olive oil: After baking, the pizza is garnished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, adding richness and flavour.

Baking: The pizza is baked in a hot wood-fired oven at around 450 degrees Celsius (900 degrees Fahrenheit) for approximately 60-90 seconds, resulting in a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.

Margherita pizza is considered a classic and beloved item in Italian cuisine, and it has gained popularity worldwide, becoming a staple dish in pizzerias and restaurants across the globe. It is a simple, yet satisfying combination of flavours that represents the essence of Italian pizza and is a must-try for pizza enthusiasts.