4Pizza Margherita
No list of iconic Italian tomato dishes would be complete without Pizza Margherita. This classic pizza was invented in Naples in 1889 in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. The pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito created a pizza that symbolized the Italian flag, using red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. The simplicity of these ingredients combined with a thin, crispy crust makes Pizza Margherita a timeless favorite.
The star of the show in Pizza Margherita is the tomato sauce. Traditionally made from ripe, fresh tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes, the sauce is minimally seasoned to allow the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes to shine. Topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, this pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven until the cheese is melted and slightly charred.
Why It’s Iconic: Pizza Margherita represents Italian pride and culinary tradition. The combination of fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil has become a symbol of Italy’s dedication to quality ingredients and simple flavors.
