Quick Margherita Pizzas
Ingredients
- 4 flatbreads or pita breads (approximately 200g or 7 oz each)
- 400g (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 500g (17.5 oz) fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 20g (1/4 cup) fresh basil leaves
- 10g (2 tsp) dried oregano
- 10g (2 tsp) sea salt
- 5g (1 tsp) black pepper, freshly ground
- 20g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Introduction
Welcome to the quintessential celebration of simplicity and flavor—Quick Margherita Pizzas. Among the pantheon of pizzas, the Margherita stands tall, owing to its harmony of basic yet vibrant ingredients: basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch, this recipe ensures you enjoy all the traditional flavors of this Italian classic without the need for making dough from scratch. In this guide, we will take you through a delightful journey to create easy Margherita pizzas that captivate both your taste buds and your heart. Let’s dive into this delightful, cheesy affair!
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Pizza Stone (optional)
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). For a crisper base, place a pizza stone inside the oven while it heats. This will ensure a crispy crust which is key to retaining a beautiful flatbread pizza texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Flatbreads
Lay each flatbread or pita on your cutting board. Brush a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to achieve a golden crust base after baking. This is also the base layer that prevents the sauce from making the crust soggy.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
Spread 100g (1/4 cup) of tomato sauce onto the top side of each flatbread using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper over the sauce for added flavor depth and fragrance.
Step 4: Arrange the Cheese and Basil
Evenly distribute slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato sauce, ensuring each flatbread is generously covered. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top, reserving a few for garnish after baking. The fresh basil will wilt while releasing its aromatic oils.
Step 5: Bake
Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet or directly on the preheated pizza stone. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and begins to develop golden edges. If desired, finish with 2 minutes under the grill for added crispness.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the pizzas from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over each pizza and scatter the reserved fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. The pizzas are now ready to be sliced and served warm.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a quick and scrumptious recipe for Margherita Pizzas that marries convenience with the authentic taste of Italy. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a quiet evening indulgence, these pizzas promise a symphony of flavors accentuated by the simplicity of each ingredient. Feel free to experiment with this base recipe, adding toppings such as cherry tomatoes or arugula for a personalized touch. Remember, true culinary art often lies in simplicity, and with this recipe, you’re sure to impress both yourself and those you serve.
