This recipe guides you through making a classic Italian Margherita pizza from scratch. You will prepare the dough, add the toppings, and bake it until golden.
Preheat your oven to 230°C. 2. Pour the warm water into a bowl. Add the sugar and crumble the fresh yeast into the water. Stir gently to combine. 3. Let the mixture sit in a warm spot for 10 to 15 minutes. It should become frothy on top. This shows the yeast is active. 4. In a large mixing bowl, sift the plain flour and salt. Make a well (a hole) in the center of the sifted flour. Pour the yeast mixture and the olive oil into this well. 5. Lightly flour your hands. Slowly mix all ingredients together in the bowl. Continue mixing until a rough dough forms. 6. Generously dust a clean work surface with flour. 7. Transfer the dough to the floured surface. Knead the dough for 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, silky, and soft. 8. Lightly oil a non-stick baking tray. Place the kneaded dough onto the prepared tray. Spread the dough to form your pizza base. 9. Spread the passata evenly over the pizza dough. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges. 10. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the passata. Sprinkle with oregano and black pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the toppings. 11. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The pizza is ready when the cheese is slightly golden and bubbly. 12. Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Place fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately.