Classic Margherita in the Ember Oven

Fresh Margherita pizza with basil

Great pizza starts with heat. The Ember Gas Pizza Oven gets you to restaurant temperatures without fuss - perfect for a classic Margherita.

Ingredients (makes 2 pizzas)

  • 250g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ½ tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 160ml lukewarm water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 150g San Marzano (or good tinned) tomatoes, crushed
  • 1 ball fresh mozzarella, drained and torn
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil, to finish

Method

  1. Mix flour, yeast and salt. Add water and oil, knead until smooth (8-10 minutes). Cover and prove 1-2 hours until doubled.
  2. Divide into two balls. Rest 20 minutes while you preheat the Ember to around 400°C.
  3. Stretch each ball into a thin round. Spoon on a thin layer of crushed tomato, scatter mozzarella, leave the centre light.
  4. Launch onto the hot stone. Turn every 20-30 seconds until the crust is blistered and leopard-spotted (about 90 seconds).
  5. Finish with basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Tip: Keep toppings sparse - high heat rewards restraint.