Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Make the Dough:
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Add the flour, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Prepare the Pizza:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Add the sliced mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake:
Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza.
