Pizza Marinara is a traditional Italian pizza known for its simplicity and bold flavors. This pizza celebrates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a rich tomato sauce, garlic-infused olive oil, and fragrant oregano. Here's how you can recreate this classic Italian dish at home.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano)
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the mixture begins to come together.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. If you're using a pizza stone, place the dough on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer.

3. Prepare the Toppings: In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce and a pinch of salt. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Add the Garlic and Olive Oil: Evenly distribute the thinly sliced garlic over the tomato sauce. Drizzle the pizza with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle with dried oregano and red pepper flakes if using.

5. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone). Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy.

6. Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

Slice the Pizza Marinara into wedges and serve hot. This pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with its vibrant flavors and aromatic toppings.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Marinara

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tomato sauce, preferably San Marzano tomatoes, for authentic flavor.
• Garlic Infusion: Slicing the garlic thinly ensures it cooks evenly and infuses the pizza with its aromatic flavor.
• Customization: Add anchovies or capers for a traditional twist on this classic pizza.

Enjoy your homemade Pizza Marinara as a delicious appetizer or main dish. Its simplicity and bold flavors will transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite.

If you enjoyed this Pizza recipe, you can click HERE to find more recipes that will help you cook your dishes in a simple and fun way.