Pizza Margherita

Name: Pizza Margherita
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 pizzas (8 servings each).
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 cups bread flour; TOPPINGS:; 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained; 8 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 20 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 15 min. YIELD: 2 pizzas (8 servings each).

This homemade pizza margherita, named for Queen Margherita of Italy, shows off the colors of the Italian flag with red tomatoes, white mozzarella and fresh green basil. You'll be glad the recipe makes not one but two 13-inch pizzas! —Loretta Lawrence, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Ingredients

3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups bread flour
TOPPINGS:
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
8 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
20 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugar, salt and 1 cup flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead for 6-8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down; divide in half. Roll each portion into a 13-in. circle. Transfer to 2 greased 14-in. pizza pans; build up edges slightly. Cover with a clean kitchen towel; let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Spoon tomatoes over dough. Top with cheese, oregano, basil, pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil. Bake at 450° for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 304 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.