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Pizza Margherita.

A classic pizza, named after Italian Queen Margherita. On a visit to Naples, Queen Margherita requested for a local specialty. She was served a pizza in the colors of the Italian flag-red tomatoes, green basil and white mozzarella. The queen was delighted and the dish was christened after her.

Makes 2 pizzas

Time: If using ready made pizza bases, preparation time: 30 minutes. Or if making your own dough, then preparation time: 3 hours

Note: If you cannot find fresh basil, substitute it with 1 teaspoon dried basil. Ingredients:

DOUGH:

• 1 recipe of home made dough base, already published, or use 2 ready made pizza bases

TOMATO SAUCE:

• 250 gm tomatoes blanched (put in hot water and peeled) and chopped finely

• ½ cup ready made tomato puree

• 4-5 flakes garlic - crushed

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• ½ tsp vinegar

• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp oil

TOPPING:

• 10-12 fresh basil leaves - roughly chopped

• 1½ cups cooking cheese or mozzarella cheese-grated (150 gm)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Method / Instructions:

1. Prepare the pizza base as given recipe or use 2 ready made bases.
   

2. To prepare the tomato sauce, heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add garlic. Stir and immediately add all other ingredients of the sauce. Bring to a boil.
   

3. Lower heat and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is reduced in quantity and thick enough to spread without being runny.
   

4. Spoon the prepared tomato sauce over each pizza base, leaving 1/2" all around the edges.
   

5. Brush the edges with olive oil.
   

6. Sprinkle with half the basil leaves and cheese on top of the pizza.
   

7. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and bake in a pre-heated oven on the wire rack (not tray) at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes or until the base is evenly browned and the cheese gets melted.
   

8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make another pizza.
   

9. Serve hot.

Best Wishes.