Prepare the Pizza Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well.
• Mix until a dough forms, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Pizza Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes or tomato passata, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go (usually around 475°F/245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the middle rack.

Assemble the Pizza:

• Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
• Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper.

Add the Sauce and Toppings:

• Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Place the fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
• Tear or scatter fresh basil leaves over the cheese.

Bake the Pizza:

• Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
• Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the pizza.
• Slice and serve your homemade Margherita pizza hot. Enjoy the classic Italian delight!