Margarita pizza has a long history. The story goes that in 1889, Queen Margherita, wife of King Umberto I of Italy visited the Pizzeria Brandi in Naples. The chef on duty, Rafaele Esposito, made a special pizza just for her containing the colors of the brand new Italian flag: red, white, and green. The recipe was an instant success.
There was some scandal involved. Pizza was considered peasant food, and it was unseemly for the Queen to eat it. Nevertheless, the Queen loved pizza, and enjoyed it whenever she was out in public. To counteract the controversy, the Queen invited Esposito to the palace to bake pizzas.
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The simple combination of tomato, basil, and cheese has been with us since time immemorial. Combining these ingredients on a pizza makes sense. The tomato gives the crust a rich flavor. The basil complements the tomato, each bringing out the best qualities in the other. The creamy mozzarella cheese provides a respite from the other two, adding in that stretchy cheese quality we all love. The Parmesan cheese adds some depth of flavor.
By using the same ingredients found in a caprese salad, the Margarita pizza has made its mark in history and it is still enjoyed today all over the world. Regional favorites were developed over time in Italy including pizza pugliese which is covered with olives and capers; pizza Veronese with mushrooms and prosciutto and pizza capricciosa, with its mushrooms, prosciutto, olives, artichoke hearts and boiled egg. Amidst all this creativity, the Margarita pizza still thrives as a favorite.
In Italy, they celebrate the creation of the Margarita pizza with a parade taking "Queen Margherita" in a coach to the same pizzeria; it has been in business since 1780. Italy has specifications for an authentic Margarita pizza: the crust must be made of fresh yeast, durum wheat flour, water, and sea salt. It must be topped with olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes, basil and slices of buffalo mozzarella.
Now this recipe is enjoyed everywhere. You can make it in your own kitchen in very little time. Think of the history you are recreating when you bake this pizza. Share the history with your family. Pizza has long enjoyed the favor of peasants and royals alike.
Recipe for Margarita Pizza
Legend has it that Margarita Pizza was made for Italian royalty.
What You Need
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 pizza crusts
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste in a food processor. Mix until smooth.
Divide the sauce between the two pizza crusts, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle the pizzas with chopped basil leaves and the grated cheese.
Place the mozzarella slices on the two pizzas.
Bake for 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
How to Make the Best Margarita Pizza
Have fun with your pizza recipes. Try some exotic ingredients or make a fruit pizza recipe for dessert. Pizza is a versatile food that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime with any type of topping.
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