Pizza Margherita Recipe 🍕❤️

• For the dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 🌟
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 3/4 cup warm water 💧
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• For the toppings:
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 🧀
• Fresh basil leaves 🌿
• Drizzle of olive oil 🫒
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂🖤

Step 1: Make the Dough 🍞

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and salt. 🌾
2. Slowly add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. 🥄
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. 💪
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. ⏳

Step 2: Preheat the Oven 🔥

1. Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 475°F / 245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. 🍕

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce 🍅

1. If you’re using store-bought tomato sauce, you can enhance it with salt, pepper, and some herbs (like oregano).

Step 4: Shape the Pizza 🍕

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
2. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone. 🌟

Step 5: Add Toppings 🍽️

1. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough. 🍅
2. Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella on top. 🧀
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza 🔥

1. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the hot pizza stone).
2. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. ⏰

Step 7: Finish with Basil 🌿

1. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven.
2. Immediately top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy 🍕❤️

• Slice and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Pizza Margherita!