Easy Pizza Margherita

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1. 1Step 1: Preheat the oven with a pizza stone inside to 500°F, or as high as it will go.
2. 2Step 2: Add all the dough ingredients to the bowl of a mixer with a hook attachment. Knead on low speed for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and only a tiny bit sticky to the bottom of the bowl. If too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
3. 3Step 3: Transfer the dough to a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into 8 pieces. Form each piece into a small round ball and place them on a very lightly oiled baking sheet, at least 3 inches apart.
4. 4Step 4: Loosely cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
5. 5Step 5: Sprinkle the counter with a bit of flour. Take one piece of dough and press down on it with your fingers until you have a 1/2-inch thick circle or oval. Using your fists and knuckles, stretch the dough until it is 10 inches in diameter, making sure not to tear it.
6. 6Step 6: Place the pie on a pizza peel or a piece of cardboard and transfer it to the preheated pizza stone (sprinkle a little flour or cornmeal on the stone just before). Bake for 2 to 3 minutes, then take it out of the oven.
7. 7Step 7: Spoon a couple of tablespoons of marinara sauce in the middle of the pie and gently spread it around into a thin layer, leaving about a 1/3-inch border.
8. 8Step 8: Tear some of the mozzarella di bufala on top and transfer the pie back into the oven for another 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
9. 9Step 9: Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. As soon as you remove the pizza from the oven, put it under the broiler for about 30 seconds, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.
10. 10Step 10: Transfer to a cutting board and let it sit for a few minutes for the cheese to set. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with fresh basil, and enjoy.
11. 11Step 11: Repeat the process with the remaining pies, or refrigerate the dough for later.