The Margherita pizza, with its classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is said to have been created in Naples in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 19th century.
History and significance:
Once upon a time in the bustling streets of Naples, Italy, where the aroma of fresh basil and bubbling tomato sauce wafted through the air, there lived a baker named Raffaele Esposito. Raffaele was known far and wide for his talent in crafting the most delectable pizzas in the city. However, it was one fateful day in the late 19th century that he would create a culinary masterpiece that would forever change the pizza world – the Margherita pizza.
Naples had always been a city of pizza lovers, with various toppings gracing the flatbreads from savory anchovies to sweet fruits. Yet, Raffaele dreamed of creating a pizza that would not only be delicious but also pay tribute to the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green.
In the summer of 1889, Naples was abuzz with excitement as Queen Margherita of Savoy, accompanied by her husband, King Umberto I, decided to visit the city. Naples was known for its bustling street food scene, and the royal couple yearned to taste the local fare.
Raffaele Esposito, eager to impress the queen, decided to create a pizza in her honor. He chose the freshest ingredients he could find: ripe red tomatoes, creamy white mozzarella cheese, and aromatic green basil leaves. Using a traditional Neapolitan pizza dough as his canvas, he skillfully assembled these ingredients to create a visually stunning and delicious masterpiece.
When Queen Margherita and King Umberto tasted Raffaele’s creation, they were instantly captivated. The pizza’s simplicity allowed the flavors of the ingredients to shine, and it was a perfect representation of the Italian flag. Queen Margherita was so delighted with the pizza that she sent a letter of appreciation to Raffaele, expressing her love for what would come to be known as the Margherita pizza.
Raffaele’s invention quickly gained popularity in Naples and beyond, eventually spreading throughout Italy and the world. The Margherita pizza became an iconic representation of Italian culinary artistry and culture. Its harmonious blend of flavors and colors was celebrated not only as a delicious meal but also as a symbol of national pride.
To this day, the Margherita pizza remains a beloved classic, enjoyed by pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Its humble origins in the hands of a passionate Neapolitan baker continue to remind us that sometimes, the most remarkable culinary creations can arise from a simple desire to pay homage to tradition and honor a queen’s visit with a delicious, colorful pizza.
Margherita Pizza (classic)
Description
The Margherita pizza, with its classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, is said to have been created in Naples in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 19th century.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the pizza dough into a round shape on a floured surface.
Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Arrange the fresh mozzarella cheese slices on top of the sauce.
Place fresh basil leaves on the pizza.
Drizzle olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve.
If you're in the mood for something even more authentic, check out our Homemade Pizza Dough recipe here!
Buon appetito!
