Napoletana Pizza

Ingredients

Pizza dough

1 ball, about 12 oz

San Marzano tomatoes

1 cup, crushed

Fresh mozzarella

8 oz, thinly sliced

Fresh basil leaves

a handful

Extra virgin olive oil

a drizzle

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
2. On a floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch round shape. Be careful not to overwork the dough, to maintain its light, airy texture.
3. Place the stretched dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving about half an inch border around the edges for the crust.
5. Arrange the thinly sliced mozzarella evenly over the tomatoes.
6. Sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the pizza. For a more intense basil flavor, you can also add some chopped basil to the tomato sauce.
7. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the pizza. This will enhance the flavors and help achieve a golden crust.
8. Season with salt and black pepper as per your taste preference.
9. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set a bit. Slice and serve immediately for the best taste.