Pizza Margherita
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Pizza, in its various forms, has existed in Naples for centuries. Flatbreads topped with various ingredients were common street food. However, the Pizza Margherita, as we know it today, has a specific origin story tied to a royal visit.
Pizza Margherita holds a special place in Italian culture as a symbol of national pride and culinary simplicity. It represents the colors of the Italian flag and is widely recognized and enjoyed both within Italy and around the world.
Royal Origin
Legend states that in 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy, while visiting Naples, grew tired of the elaborate French cuisine. She requested a local pizza maker, Raffaele Esposito, to create a pizza for her. He presented three different pizzas, and she preferred one topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, as it resembled the colors of the Italian flag (red, white, and green). This pizza was named in her honor.
Symbol of Naples
Pizza Margherita is strongly associated with Naples, the birthplace of pizza. It represents the city's culinary heritage and the ingenuity of its people in creating a delicious meal from simple ingredients.
Global Popularity
Due to its simplicity and deliciousness, Pizza Margherita has become one of the most popular and recognizable pizzas worldwide. It is a staple in Italian restaurants and is often used as a benchmark for judging the quality of a pizzeria.
The Pizza Margherita showcases the simple, fresh flavors of Italy. It's a balance of acidity, sweetness, and richness with a hint of herbal freshness.
The San Marzano tomatoes provide a vibrant, slightly sweet and acidic base. The mozzarella (traditionally Fior di Latte or Buffalo Mozzarella) offers a creamy, milky richness and a slightly tangy flavor. Fresh basil leaves contribute a bright, peppery, and slightly sweet herbal aroma that complements the other ingredients. The olive oil adds a fruity richness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Dough Preparation
Use a high-quality '00' flour for a soft, pliable dough. Allow the dough to rise slowly in a cool place for optimal flavor development. Stretch the dough gently by hand, avoiding the use of a rolling pin.
Tomato Sauce
Use San Marzano tomatoes, crushed or pureed, for the sauce. Season simply with salt and a touch of olive oil. Avoid over-seasoning, as the tomatoes should be the star of the sauce.
Mozzarella
Use fresh mozzarella, either Fior di Latte (cow's milk) or Buffalo Mozzarella. Slice or tear the mozzarella into pieces and distribute evenly over the pizza.
Baking
Bake the pizza at a high temperature (around 450-500°C or 842-932°F) in a wood-fired oven for the best results. If using a home oven, preheat a pizza stone or baking steel for at least 30 minutes. Add the basil leaves after baking to preserve their freshness.
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