Margherita pizza is a special variety of pizza that originates in Naples, Italy. In Italy, this pizza is a protected food, meaning that it must be prepared in a certain way to bear the “pizza Margherita” label, and the Italian government actually certifies bakeries that produce it. This pizza is very simple, placing an emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients and high quality bread dough. It is also the basis for many pizzas served around the world; most people can probably obtain a version of it from a local pizza establishment, and cooks can also make it at home.
Neapolitan pizza is traditionally made with a dough that includes flour, salt, and yeast. The dough is mixed, kneaded, allowed to rise, and formed into rounds that are covered in toppings of the cook's choice and then baked in a high temperature oven. The high temperature causes the dough to become very crispy; some Italians like theirs almost burnt, and it sears the ingredients used to top the pizza. After only a few minutes, the pizza is cooked, ready for slicing, serving, and eating.
The traditional toppings on a Margherita pizza are fresh basil, fresh tomatoes, olive oil, sea salt, garlic, and mozzarella. Typically, the tomatoes are sliced and scattered across the dough before finely chopped garlic and basil are sprinkled on, followed by rounds of thinly sliced cheese. The pizza is drizzled lightly with olive oil and sea salt just before baking, and when well made, it is crisp without any trace of greasiness.
Variations on this pizza have been made in Italy for hundreds of years, but it acquired a special significance in the 1880s, when it was named for Margherita of Savoy, the Queen Consort of Italy. The colors of the pizza mirror those of the Italian flag, inspiring a Neopolitan baker to give the food a patriotic name. Authentic versions can be found in Napoli today, as well as in many other parts of Italy.
Cooks who want to make this Italian treat at home should ideally have a bread oven that is capable of reaching very high temperatures. Otherwise, the cooking time of the pizza will be too long, affecting the flavor and texture of the finished product. Cooks should use fresh ingredients and go light on the olive oil; a delicate drizzle is all that's needed. Buffalo mozzarella is best as a topping, and it is the traditional Italian choice of cheese for this pizza.
There are some variations on this classic recipe. Margherita bianca is made without the tomatoes, while the addition of anchovies turns it into pizza alla Romana. Any other additional ingredients, however, mean that it's really no longer an official Margherita pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes into a Margherita pizza?
A Margherita pizza is a traditional Italian pizza prepared with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and fresh tomato sauce. Fresh tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and salt are used to make the sauce. To ensure that it melts evenly over the pizza, the mozzarella cheese is often prepared from cow's milk and is cut into extremely thin slices. The last layer, fresh basil, gives the pizza a distinctive taste and scent.
What distinguishes a Margherita pizza from a standard pizza?
The components are what distinguish a Margherita pizza from an ordinary pizza. The typical toppings for a standard pizza are pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and peppers. The basic ingredients for a Margherita pizza are tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. This mixture produces a tasty and distinctive typical Italian taste.
How is a Margherita Pizza traditionally served?
Traditionally, a Margherita pizza is served on a pizza peel or a pizza stone. By doing this, you can make sure that your pizza cooks evenly and has a crispy, golden-brown crust. When the pizza is finished cooking, it is sliced and served hot. For flavor, fresh basil and olive oil are often provided on the side.
What is the Margherita Pizza's history?
According to legend, the Margherita pizza was invented in 1889 as a tribute to Queen Margherita of Savoy. Pizza was made to symbolize the colors of the Italian flag, with the red sauce standing in for the color red, the white cheese for the color white, and the fresh basil for the color green. The pizza was an immediate hit and is now among the most well-known in the whole globe.
How nutritious is a Margherita pizza?
Depending on the ingredients used, a Margherita pizza may be a healthy choice. Fresh tomato sauce, which is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, is used to make the pizza. The mozzarella cheese is a wonderful source of protein and has few calories. Fresh basil enhances taste without increasing calorie intake. A Margherita pizza may be a wholesome dinner if it is made with nutritional ingredients.
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.