If you’re a pizza lover, you’ve probably heard of Ooni, the popular brand that specializes in portable pizza ovens. With their easy-to-use and efficient equipment, making a delicious Margherita pizza at home has never been easier. In this article, we will guide you through the best easy Ooni Margherita pizza recipe that will surely satisfy your pizza cravings.
The Ooni Margherita pizza is a classic Neapolitan-style pizza that consists of a thin, crispy crust topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination that captures the essence of traditional Italian pizza. So, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
– 250g strong white flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 150ml warm water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 200g tomato sauce
– 200g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– A handful of fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the instant yeast in warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture, and mix until it forms a dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for at least an hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat your Ooni pizza oven to its highest temperature, usually around 900°F (480°C).
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into balls. Let them rest for 15 minutes.
6. Roll out each dough ball into a thin circle, about 10 inches in diameter.
7. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a lightly floured surface. Spread tomato sauce evenly on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
9. Slide the pizza onto the preheated Ooni pizza stone and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
10. Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
11. Repeat the process for the second dough ball.
12. Slice the pizzas and serve hot.
Now, let’s move on to some commonly asked questions about making Ooni Margherita pizza:
Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of strong white flour?
A1: Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute, but the crust may not be as crispy.
Q2: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil leaves?
A2: Fresh basil leaves provide a distinct flavor, but dried basil can be used as a substitute if fresh basil is not available.
Q3: Can I add other toppings to my Ooni Margherita pizza?
A3: Absolutely! While the Margherita pizza traditionally has only three toppings, feel free to experiment and add your favorite ingredients.
Q4: Can I make the dough in advance?
A4: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.
Q5: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?
A5: It’s best to use fresh mozzarella cheese for a traditional taste, but pre-shredded mozzarella can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Q6: Can I bake the pizza in a regular oven?
A6: Although the Ooni pizza oven is specifically designed for high-temperature cooking, you can still bake the pizza in a preheated regular oven at its highest temperature.
Q7: How do I clean my Ooni pizza oven?
A7: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your specific model. Generally, it involves brushing off any burnt residue and wiping the inside with a damp cloth.
Q8: Can I freeze the leftover pizza dough?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the dough by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Q9: Can I use a different pizza oven brand to make this recipe?
A9: Absolutely! While the Ooni pizza oven is highly recommended, you can use any portable pizza oven that can reach high temperatures for this recipe.
So, there you have it – the best easy Ooni Margherita pizza recipe. With its simple yet delicious flavors, you can now enjoy a restaurant-quality pizza in the comfort of your own home. Happy pizza making!