Recipe: Perfect Pizza Margherita

This is a very quick, economic dinner, and it's definitely the best pizzas i've ever been able to make at home. I think the secret is using this new Jus Rol pizza dough, because all the shop bought pizza bases you buy in the supermarkets, are- lets face it- crap. They aren't thin enough, and when they are topped and cooked go too spongy- this ready rolled stuff however works perfectly, you end up with a tasty, thin and crispy pizza base. Its' quite cheap too actually, you get two big sheets of ready rolled pizza dough, and a jar of (very tasty might i add) tomato sauce to top it. This is a basic Margherita pizza, with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, but you can of course use any toppings you like- but take care not to over-top it, otherwise you'll end up with a soggy pizza. This will serve 4 if you serve it with big side salads, but if your just grabbing slices, it'll feed 2 people nicely.

Quick Pizza Margherita (serves 2-4)

2 ripe plum tomatoes, diced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Handful fresh basil, chopped (plus extra basil leaves for garnish)
½ tsp crushed garlic
Olive oil (for greasing)
1 sheet Jus Rol pizza dough
½ jar Jus Rol tomato sauce
100g mozzarella, finely diced
Handful black olives, sliced in half
Salt and pepper

1. In a bowl, mix together the tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 230C (fan oven- hot!). Place the sheet of ready rolled pizza dough onto a non stick tray that’s been brushed with a little olive oil (to prevent sticking). Spread the dough out a little bit thinner with your fingers, and then fold over the edges (to create the crust). Spread over the prepared tomato sauce.
3. Drain the marinated tomatoes of any excess liquid, and put evenly on top of the pizza along with the mozzarella and olives, season with a little salt and plenty of black pepper, and bake in the oven for 14-16 minutes (until the crust is a dark golden brown).
4. Remove from the oven, cut into slices with a pizza slicer, garnish with some fresh basil and serve!