Pizza Margherita

As a finale to my book groups finishing: Eat, Pray, Love, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner full of Italian food.  Thanks, Sharon for hosting!  I tried to mimic in the smallest of ways, the pizza that Elizabeth Gilbert savors when in Italy.  This is the recipe I tried.

Pizza Margherita

I use a simple recipe for the dough and make it in my bread machine.  You can also make it by hand or buy a  ready made dough.


Pizza Dough for Bread Machine

7 to 8 oz. water
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. dry yeast

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (optional)

Place all ingredients in bread pan according to manufacturers suggestions.  Select Dough setting.

When dough is done, pat the dough on to a greased 12 or 14-inch round pizza pan or baking stone.

Pizza toppings

1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 to 2 large cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tsp. fresh oregano, chopped
4 or 5 Roma tomatoes, cut lengthwise
1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn
3 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
fresh ground black pepper and salt to taste.
 .
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Once dough is flattened in pan, gently spread the olive oil over the dough
In large skillet heat a small amount of olive oil over medium high heat.
Saute onion until onion just starts to get translucent, stir in garlic and oregano and stir for a few seconds.
Spread onion, garlic and oregano mixture over dough.
Lay on the tomatoes, sliced mozzarella cheese and basil leaves.
Finish with black pepper and a little salt.

Bake in a 450 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese melts and edge of crust starts to turn a golden brown.