Homemade Margherita Pizza

1Prepare the Pizza Dough In a bowl, mix the warm water (1½ cups), sugar (1 tablespoon), and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the flour and olive oil (2 tablespoons). Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

2Make the Tomato Sauce In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes (1 can), garlic (2 cloves), oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

3Assemble the Pizza Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to desired thickness. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Add the sliced mozzarella evenly on top. Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

4Finish the Pizza Top the hot pizza with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil (2 tablespoons). Slice and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!