Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Naples? Discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect "Delicious Homemade Neapolitan Pizza Marinara Style" right in your own kitchen! With its thin, crispy crust and rich, flavorful marinara sauce, this recipe is a must-try for pizza lovers. In just 25 minutes, you can impress your friends and family with a dish that rivals any pizzeria. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a pizza masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for topping
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should become soft and slightly springy when pressed.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the marinara sauce by crushing San Marzano tomatoes and mixing with minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting (ideally 500-550°F/260-290°C) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside.
- On a floured surface, use your hands to stretch each dough ball into a thin, round shape approximately 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the stretched dough onto a pizza peel or parchment paper dusted with flour.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
- Slice, serve immediately, and enjoy your authentic Neapolitan Marinara pizza!
Tips
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The key to an authentic Neapolitan pizza lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for San Marzano tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Perfect Your Dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This ensures a light and airy crust. Don’t rush the rising process; allow the dough to double in size for optimal texture.
- Preheat Properly: Make sure your oven is at its highest temperature before baking. A hot oven is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust.
- Stretch, Don’t Roll: When shaping your dough, use your hands to stretch it instead of a rolling pin. This preserves the air bubbles in the dough, giving you that characteristic Neapolitan texture.
- Keep It Simple: Marinara pizza is all about simplicity. Don’t overload the toppings; a thin layer of sauce, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil are all you need for a delicious finish.
- Serve Immediately: Neapolitan pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Slice and serve right away for the ultimate experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
