Recipe 1: Homemade Margherita Pizza

As an introduction blog for Savoring Shots, we wanted to start a series where for we go over 30 unique dishes from around the world. Starting off recipe number one, we take a deep dive into one of Italy's most famous street food, the Margherita pizza.

Origin Story: Dating back to 1889, legend has it that Raffaele Esposito, a skilled pizzaiolo (pizza maker) in Naples, was tasked with concocting a special pizza to honor the visit of Queen Margherita of Savoy. Drawing inspiration from the colors of the Italian flag, Esposito crafted a masterpiece featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing red, white, and green, respectively. This symbolic trio not only won the queen's favor but also etched the Margherita pizza into the annals of culinary history.

Brief description: A true Neapolitan gem, is a testament to simplicity, tradition, and the artistry of Italian cuisine. Its thin, chewy crust serves as a canvas for a harmonious trio of fresh and vibrant ingredients. A layer of San Marzano tomatoes, bursting with sun-kissed sweetness, provides the foundational red hue.

Atop this canvas lies a blanket of fresh mozzarella, chosen for its creamy texture and mild flavor. The white cheese melds with the tomatoes, creating a velvety, indulgent layer that defines the essence of the Margherita. A scattering of aromatic basil leaves, their greenery adding a fragrant and herbaceous note, completes the tricolored homage to the Italian flag.

The pizza is kissed by golden heat in a wood-fired oven, transforming it into a masterpiece. As the crust crisps and the cheese bubbles, the Margherita emerges with a perfect balance of flavors – tangy tomatoes, milky mozzarella, and the aromatic freshness of basil.

With each bite, one experiences the purity of this timeless creation. The Margherita pizza is not just a dish; it's a journey to the heart of Naples, a celebration of Italy's culinary heritage. Whether enjoyed in a bustling pizzeria or crafted at home, the Margherita remains an enduring symbol of simple perfection in the world of pizza. Buon Appetito! 🍕

Ingredients:

• Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)

• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

• Fresh basil leaves

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

• Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, typically around 475-500°F (245-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during the preheating.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

• Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thin crust, roll it out thinner.

3. Prepare the Pizza:

• Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Spoon the tomato sauce onto the dough, spreading it evenly, leaving a small border for the crust.

4. Add Mozzarella and Basil:

• Place the sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the tomato sauce.

• Distribute fresh basil leaves over the pizza for a burst of flavor.

5. Bake the Pizza:

• If you're using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. If not, simply place the baking sheet with the pizza in the oven.

• Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Finishing Touches:

• Once out of the oven, drizzle the pizza with extra virgin olive oil.

• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

7. Slice and Serve:

• Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly.

• Slice into wedges, and serve your homemade Margherita pizza hot and fresh.