Margherita Pizza

Margherita pizza is a type of Neapolitan pizza that is made with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The pizza is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples in 1889 and was served a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag – red tomato sauce, white cheese, and green basil leaves. The queen enjoyed the pizza so much that it became a popular dish in Naples and eventually spread to other parts of Italy and the world.

The history of Margherita pizza can be traced back to the 18th century when flatbreads with toppings were commonly sold in Naples. These flatbreads were known as “pizzaiolo,” and were topped with ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, and anchovies. In the late 19th century, pizza started to become more popular outside of Naples, and pizzerias began to open up in other parts of Italy and in other countries.

Margherita Pizza Origin

 

Margherita pizza is now a staple of Italian cuisine and is enjoyed around the world. The simplicity of the recipe, with just a few high-quality ingredients, allows the flavors to shine and has made it a favorite among pizza lovers. Today, there are many variations of Margherita pizza, but the classic version is still widely enjoyed and celebrated for its delicious taste and rich history.

Margherita Pizza Recipe

Margherita pizza is a classic pizza recipe that originated in Naples, Italy. This simple pizza is made with just a few basic ingredients, including tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and olive oil. The result is a flavorful and delicious pizza that is perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make Margherita pizza at home.

Margherita Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (Cold Pressed Groundnut Oil can also be used)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
  4. Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into small pieces and scatter them over the tomato sauce.
  6. Sprinkle the pizza with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.
  9. Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.

MARGHERITA PIZZA CALORIES

The number of calories in a margarita pizza can vary depending on the size of the pizza, the thickness of the crust, and the amount of toppings used. Here’s a general calorie breakdown for a 10-inch Margherita pizza made with traditional crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil:

  • Pizza crust (1/2 pound): 550 calories
  • Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): 35 calories
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese (8 ounces): 420 calories
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon): 120 calories
  • Fresh basil leaves: negligible calories

Total calories for a 10-inch margarita pizza: approximately 1125 calories.

Margherita Pizza Calories

It’s worth noting that this is just an estimate, and the calorie count may vary based on the specific ingredients used and the cooking method. Additionally, portion size can also impact the number of calories consumed.

TIPS & TRICKS

  • To make a crispier crust, preheat the oven to its highest temperature and place a pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for fresh mozzarella cheese and San Marzano tomatoes for the tomato sauce.
  • Don’t overload the pizza with toppings. Margherita pizza is meant to be simple, with just a few key ingredients.
  • To prevent the pizza from becoming too soggy, use a light hand when spreading the tomato sauce on the pizza dough.
  • Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor won’t be as bright.
  • If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the pizza before baking.
  • Serve the pizza immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.