“History Of Pizza: Homemade pizza recipe”

The Delicious Story of Pizza: From Its Origins to Your Plate

Pizza is loved all over the world. But have you ever thought about where it came from? Let's explore its history and then make a delicious homemade pizza together!

The History of Pizza: A Slice of the Past

Pizza's roots go back to ancient times. In Greece and Egypt, people ate flatbreads with simple toppings. But in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century, pizza started to look like what we know today.

Neapolitan pizza became a street food with tomatoes, garlic, oil, and cheese. In 1889, the Margherita Pizza was made for Queen Margherita. It had tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, like the Italian flag.

By the 20th century, Italian immigrants brought pizza to the U.S. It became popular and evolved into many styles. Now, pizza is enjoyed worldwide, keeping its Italian roots.

Homemade Pizza Recipe: Create Your Own Slice of Heaven

Making your own pizza is the best. Here's a simple recipe for a classic Margherita pizza:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce:

• 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
   • Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Preheat your oven to 475°F (250°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
   • Roll out the dough into a thin circle or rectangle. Transfer it to parchment paper for easy handling.
   • Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
   • Arrange mozzarella slices evenly on top.

4. Bake:

   • Transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

5. Finish with Basil:

   • Remove the pizza from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil.