Classic Italian Margherita Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Method

1. 01
   In a large bowl, combine sifted flour and salt. Set aside.
2. 02
   In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy.
3. 03
   Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix until combined and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. 04
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 05
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
6. 06
   Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to form a 12-inch round pizza base.
7. 07
   Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
8. 08
   Distribute the sliced mozzarella evenly over the tomato sauce.
9. 09
   Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
10. 10
    Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with torn basil leaves.
11. 11
    Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.