Authentic Neapolitan Margherita Pie

Ingredients:

For the pizza dough:

• 1 pound (about 450g) Neapolitan pizza dough (made with Tipo 00 flour if possible)
• Semolina flour for dusting

For the toppings:

• 1 can (400g) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed or pureed
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 800°F or 425°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for at least 30-60 minutes to heat thoroughly.
2. Prepare your Neapolitan pizza dough. Divide the dough into individual portions (usually around 250-300g each) and shape them into rounds, leaving a thicker edge.
3. Lightly dust a pizza peel or flat baking sheet with semolina flour to prevent sticking. Place the dough rounds on the peel.
4. Spread a small amount of the crushed San Marzano tomatoes over each pizza dough round, leaving some space around the edges for the crust.
5. Add slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato sauce.
6. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the pizzas.
7. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the toppings.
8. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each pizza.
9. Carefully slide the pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. If you don’t have a pizza stone, place the baking sheet with the pizzas directly on the oven rack.
10. Bake for approximately 2-4 minutes or until the crust edges are puffed and golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the toppings are bubbly.
11. Once done, remove the pizzas from the oven using the peel or a spatula.
12. Optionally, add a few more fresh basil leaves on top for garnish before serving.

Note: The Neapolitan Margherita Pizza cooks very quickly in a very hot oven, so keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

This recipe follows the traditional Neapolitan style, focusing on minimal toppings, high-quality ingredients, and a blistered, slightly charred crust from the intense heat of the oven. Enjoy the authentic taste of a Neapolitan Margherita Pizza!