Pica Margarita Recipe

This delightful Pica Margarita is perfect for pizza enthusiasts, offering a simple yet flavorful experience. With a homemade dough as its base and a vibrant tomato sauce as its heart, it celebrates the authentic taste of Italy. Fresh mozzarella adds a creamy texture, while a blend of oregano, thyme, and dried basil infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. The crust is both crispy and soft, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. This recipe is versatile; you can customize it to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether baked round or rectangular, this pizza adapts to your preferences. Embrace the art of homemade pizza with this recipe, which is both rewarding and delicious. Experience the joy of creating your own Pica Margarita from scratch, making every bite a celebration of flavor.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 300 g flour
• 21 g yeast (1/2 packet)
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1/8 l lukewarm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp oil

Filling:

• 2 cans pizza tomatoes (400 g each)
• 1 large onion
• 2 balls mozzarella cheese (each 125 g)
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp thyme
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

• Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Dough: Place flour in a bowl, creating a well in the center. Crumble yeast into the well and mix with 3 tbsp water, sugar, and a little flour. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Finely chop the onion. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until translucent. Add minced garlic for additional flavor.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and canned tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and dried basil.
4. Simmer: Allow the tomato mixture to simmer slowly on the stovetop for 15 minutes without a lid, stirring occasionally.
5. Knead the Dough: Add remaining water and oil to the yeast mixture and knead the dough thoroughly. Cover and let rise for another 20 minutes in a warm spot.
6. Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 220°C.
7. Prepare the Baking Tray: Grease the baking tray well. Roll out the dough to fit either as 2 circular pizzas or a single rectangular one covering the tray.
8. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Slice the mozzarella cheese and distribute over the sauce.
9. Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake at 200°C for 25 minutes.
10. Optional: For those who enjoy a heartier pizza, feel free to add sliced ham before topping with mozzarella.

Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste.
• Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Let the dough rise until it's doubled in size for a fluffier crust.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 300 calories per slice
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and yeast to suit dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Delight: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Twist: Sprinkle with feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh mixed salad.
• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light lager.
• Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for added aroma and presentation.

Best Places

1. La Bodega Bar & Cafe - Known for its authentic pizzas made with love. Location: 101 Baker Street, London, UK.
2. Trattoria Pizzeria - A charming spot offering the finest Italian pizzas. Location: Via Roma, 23, Rome, Italy.
3. Pizza Bella - Renowned for its perfect crust and fresh ingredients. Location: 123 King Street, Sydney, Australia.
4. The Artisan Kitchen - Famous for its gourmet pizzas with a modern twist. Location: 55 Queen St, Toronto, Canada.
5. Piazza Della Pizza - A cozy space serving traditional style pizzas. Location: 789 Grand Blvd, New York, USA.
6. Il Forno - Celebrated for its wood-fired pizzas with a rustic touch. Location: 22 Market Lane, Barcelona, Spain.
7. Pizza & Co. - Offers creative pizza options with top-notch ingredients. Location: 456 Olive Road, Athens, Greece.
8. Rustic Crust Pizzeria - Praised for its artisan pizzas in a warm setting. Location: 98 Willow Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
9. Ciao Pizza - A vibrant place for authentic pizzas and friendly service. Location: 66 High Street, Berlin, Germany.
10. Bella Napoli - Offers a slice of Italy in every bite. Location: 11 Piazza, Florence, Italy.