Wood Fired Margherita Pizza

Savour the authentic taste of Wood-Fired Margarita Pizza, a culinary masterpiece that blends the simplicity of fresh ingredients with the smoky essence of open-flame cooking. Crafted with hand-stretched dough, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves, this classic pizza is awesome.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough

- 2 1/4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water
- Extra flour for dusting

For the Toppings

- 1 cup (240ml) San Marzano tomato sauce
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Recipe

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.

3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Preheat your wood-fired oven to about 800°F (425°C), ensuring the flames have died down and the oven floor is evenly heated.

5. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a round circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter, for individual-sized pizzas.

6. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.

7. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

8. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

9. Carefully slide the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or directly onto the oven floor using the pizza peel.

10. Cook the pizza in the wood-fired oven for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly, rotating the pizza halfway through cooking for even browning.

11. Once cooked, remove the pizza from the oven using the peel and transfer it to a cutting board. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

12. Slice the pizza and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Duration to Cook - Approximately 90 seconds to 2 minutes per pizza.

Chef Skill Level - Intermediate

Vegan - No (contains cheese)

Vegetarian - Yes

Gluten-Free - No (contains wheat flour)

Serving Suggestion

Serve the wood-fired Margherita pizza with a side salad of mixed greens dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, or pair it with a glass of chilled Prosecco for a delightful Italian-inspired meal.