From above, you see a beautiful blend of vibrant red from the ripe San Marzano tomatoes, the creamy white of the melted fior di latte mozzarella, and the fresh green basil leaves. Right at the center, an edible gold leaf sits, catching your eye against the stark contrast of the warm, charred brown of the crust, representing a literal 'Pizza Gold Medal' to celebrate the occasion.

Pizza Day Celebration Margherita

Name: Pizza Day Celebration Margherita
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: '00' flour, 500g pre-sifted; Fresh yeast, 3g; Water, 325ml; Salt, 10g; San Marzano tomatoes, 400g crushed; Fior di latte mozzarella, 200g torn into chunks; Fresh basil leaves, 20g; Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp; Edible gold leaf, 1 small piece optional

Category Main Course

Prep 50 minutes

Cook 10 minutes

Style Italian

Technique Baking

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: February 09, 2024

Every year on February 9th, we celebrate National Pizza Day. This date was certainly marked by Italians as they pride themselves on making the best pizza in the world. What makes our recipe special is the homemade dough fermented for 48 hours, providing an unmistakable texture and flavour, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. These key ingredients comprise the global symbol for Italian cuisine – Pizza Margherita.

Ingredients (for 4)

'00' flour - 500g - pre-sifted
Fresh yeast - 3g
Water - 325ml
Salt - 10g
San marzano tomatoes - 400g - crushed
Fior di latte mozzarella - 200g - torn into chunks
Fresh basil leaves - 20g
Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tbsp
Edible gold leaf - 1 small piece - optional

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍚🧂💦

Combine the '00' flour and salt in a large bowl. In a separate container, dissolve the fresh yeast in water and gradually add it into the flour mixture. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
Step 2 - 👐🍞⏱️

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and let them rise in separate, covered bowls for 48 hours.
Step 3 - 🔥🍕🕓

Preheat your oven to its highest temperature setting and place a pizza stone or heavy baking tray inside to heat up.
Step 4 - 🍅🍕🍴

Roll out one piece of dough on a floured surface until thin. Transfer to a pizza peel or an inverted baking tray. Spread the crushed San Marzano tomatoes on top, leaving a border for the crust.
Step 5 - 🧀🍃💧

Sprinkle the torn fior di latte mozzarella and fresh basil leaves on top of the tomatoes. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Step 6 - 🔥🍕⏲️

Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or tray in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Step 7 - 🔄🍕🥳

Repeat the entire process with the remaining dough and toppings.
Step 8 - ✨🍕👑

For a luxurious finish, carefully place a small piece of edible gold leaf at the center of each pizza.

Additional

Pizza is always fun to make with kids. They can help knead the dough, spread the sauce, and sprinkle the cheese. For a unique New York twist, you could add toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms. Remember, the edible gold leaf is completely optional but adds a captivating touch for Instagram photos especially for any Pizza Day celebration!