Recipe - Pizza Marinara: A Savory Delight From Italy

Pizza Marinara is a classic Italian dish that has stood the test of time. Originating from Naples, this simple yet flavorful pizza showcases the essence of traditional Italian cuisine. Made with minimalistic ingredients, it highlights the robust flavors of tomato, garlic, and herbs. In this article, we will explore the preparation and cooking process of Pizza Marinara, allowing you to recreate this authentic Italian delight in your own kitchen.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 32-35 minutes
Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or high-quality canned sauce)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Method

- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible. Ideally, set it to 500°F (260°C) or higher. A hot oven will help achieve a crispy crust.

- If using store-bought pizza dough, follow the package instructions for thawing or proofing. Alternatively, if making homemade dough, ensure it is properly risen and ready to use.

- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin round or rectangular shape. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

- Using a ladle or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

- Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the sauce. Next, drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the garlic. Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if desired), and a pinch of salt over the sauce.

- Carefully place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp, and the sauce is bubbling.

- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness and aroma. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the authentic flavors of Pizza Marinara.

Tips:

- For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, including ripe tomatoes for the sauce and fresh garlic.
- If making homemade dough, ensure it is well-kneaded and properly proofed to achieve a light and airy crust.
- Feel free to customize your Pizza Marinara by adding additional toppings like olives, capers, or anchovies. However, keep in mind that the traditional version consists of only the basic ingredients mentioned above.
- Serve the pizza with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.