Margherita Pizza - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups flour, sifted
2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb firm, ripe tomatoes, quartered
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4 inch-thick slices
5.25 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp shredded fresh basil, plus extra leaves, for garnish

Preparation

To make the pizza dough, combine flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add 1 cup water and 1/2 tbsp oil and mix until combined. Knead for 3-5 mins, until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover and set aside in a warm area to proof for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350\u00b0F with a heavy baking tray or pizza stone inside. Process tomatoes, garlic and remaining oil until smooth. Strain.
De-gas dough and knead lightly. Divide into 3 equal pieces. Shape each into an 8x12 inch rectangle. Spread tomato sauce over bases, leaving a 1/3 inch border around edges. Top with mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. Scatter with shredded basil. Slide 1 pizza on preheated tray and bake for 10-12 mins, or until cheese is bubbling and edges are golden brown. Sprinkle with basil leaves. Repeat with remaining pizzas.