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What Makes Pizza from Italy Different?

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Pizza from Italy is one of the most popular dishes in the world, loved by millions of people for its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness. It is said to have originated in Italy and has since become an international staple, with different countries putting their spin on the classic recipe. In this article, we'll explore the history of pizza and the different types of Italian pizzas, including the Margherita, Neapolitan, Roman, and Sicilian, as well as the classic  four cheese Italian pizzas.


Brief History of Pizza

pizza from Italy

Pizza has a long and storied history that dates back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Greeks were known to have baked flatbreads topped with oil, herbs, and cheese, while the Egyptians ate a similar dish made from bread and spices. However, it was the Italians who popularized pizza in its modern form. In the 18th century, the people of Naples began adding tomatoes to their flatbreads, creating the precursor to modern-day pizza. It wasn't until the late 19th century that pizza from Italy  became a popular dish outside of Naples, thanks to Italian immigrants who brought the recipe to the United States.

Origin of Pizza in Italy

Origin of Pizza in Italy

Pizza, as we know it today, originated in Naples, Italy. It was a dish popular with the working-class people of Naples, who needed a cheap and filling meal. The early pizzas from Italy were made with simple ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, and cheese and cooked in wood-fired ovens. The Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, is said to have been created in Naples in 1889 and has since become one of the most popular pizza varieties in the world.


Overview of the Different Types of Italian Pizzas

There are several types of Italian pizza, each with its distinct style and flavor. The Margherita, Neapolitan, Roman, and Sicilian are the most well-known varieties; each has a unique history and recipe. Gourmet Italian pizzas, made with high-quality, artisanal ingredients and often featuring unconventional toppings, have also become popular in recent years.


Margherita Pizza

The Margherita pizza from Italy  is a simple yet classic dish with just a few basic ingredients. It has a thin crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The crust is usually crisp and slightly charred, while the cheese is soft and gooey.


Origins of Margherita Pizza:

The Margherita pizza was created in Naples in 1889 by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito, who was asked to create a pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy. Esposito chose to make a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag - red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). The queen loved the pizza, which has since become a classic Italian dish.

Ingredients used in Margherita Pizza:

The ingredients used in Margherita pizza are simple but high-quality. The crust is made from flour, water, yeast, and salt and rises for several hours. The tomato sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet and tangy flavor. The cheese is fresh mozzarella made from buffalo milk and has a creamy, mild taste. The basil leaves are fresh and add a fragrant and slightly sweet flavor.


Variations of Margherita pizza:

Several variations of Margherita pizza include adding other toppings like olives, mushrooms, or prosciutto. For some pizzerias, add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the pizza for added flavor.


Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza is a traditional Italian pizza often considered the most authentic. It has a thick, chewy crust with a slightly crispy exterior, and the toppings are typically simple and fresh. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a distinctive smoky flavor.

Origins of Neapolitan Pizza:

Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, Italy, where it was a popular street food among working-class people. It was traditionally made with simple ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, and cheese and cooked in wood-fired ovens. In 1984, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) was founded to preserve Neapolitan pizza-making's traditional recipes and techniques.


Ingredients used in Neapolitan Pizza:

The crust of the Neapolitan pizza is made from high-protein flour, water, yeast, and salt and is left to rise for several hours. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweetness and low acidity. The cheese is fresh mozzarella made from buffalo milk or cow's milk and is often paired with other toppings like fresh basil, olives, and anchovies.


Variations of Neapolitan Pizza:

While Neapolitan pizza is often made with simple ingredients, many variations incorporate other toppings such as artichokes, mushrooms, or truffle oil. Some pizzerias also offer a white version of Neapolitan pizza made with a garlic and oil base instead of tomato sauce.


Roman Pizza

Roman pizza is known for its thin and crispy crust, often topped with cheese, prosciutto, and arugula. It is typically cooked in an electric oven, which gives it a consistent and evenly cooked texture.


Origins of Roman Pizza:

Roman pizza originated in Rome, Italy, where it was a popular street food among the locals. It was traditionally made with simple ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs and cooked in a wood-fired oven. However, as pizza became more popular throughout Italy, pizzerias in Rome began experimenting with new techniques and ingredients.


Ingredients used in Roman Pizza:

The crust of the Roman pizza is made from a combination of flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, which gives it a crispy texture. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes or a tomato paste, often mixed with garlic and herbs. The cheese is often a blend of mozzarella and provolone, and the toppings can vary depending on the pizzeria.


Variations of Roman Pizza:

While Roman pizza is typically made with simple toppings, some pizzerias offer variations with more unusual ingredients, such as truffles, prosciutto crudo, or burrata cheese. Some also offer a pizza bianca, a white pizza made with olive oil, salt, and rosemary.


Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza is a thick and fluffy pizza often topped with ingredients like tomato sauce, cheese, and sausage. It is typically baked in a square pan, which gives it a distinctive shape and texture.


Origins of Sicilian Pizza:

Sicilian pizza originated in Sicily, Italy, where it was a popular street food among the locals. It was traditionally made with simple ingredients such as tomato sauce, cheese, and anchovies and cooked in a wood-fired oven. As pizza became more popular throughout Italy, pizzerias began experimenting with new techniques and ingredients.

Ingredients used in Sicilian Pizza:

The crust of the Sicilian pizza is made from a combination of flour, yeast, olive oil, and water, which gives it a soft and fluffy texture. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes or a tomato paste, and the cheese used is typically a blend of mozzarella and parmesan. Popular toppings for Sicilian pizza include sausage, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.


Variations of Sicilian Pizza:

While traditional Sicilian pizza is often made with simple toppings, some pizzerias offer variations with more unusual ingredients, such as prosciutto cotto, smoked salmon, or gorgonzola cheese. Some also offered a pizza al taglio, a rectangular pizza cut to order and sold by weight.


Gourmet Italian Pizzas

Gourmet Italian pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and often feature unusual toppings such as truffles, prosciutto di Parma, or imported cheeses. They are typically baked in wood-fired ovens and served in upscale restaurants.


Examples of gourmet Italian pizzas:

Some examples of pizzas from Italy include pizza with truffles and porcini mushrooms, burrata cheese and prosciutto di Parma, and pizza with smoked salmon and crème fraîche. These pizzas are often made with various gourmet ingredients and are typically priced higher than traditional pizzas.


Ingredients used in gourmet Italian pizzas:

Gourmet Italian pizzas use various high-quality ingredients, such as truffles, prosciutto di Parma, and imported cheeses like gorgonzola or fontina. The crust is often made from high-protein flour and left to rise for several hours, which gives it a light and airy texture. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes or a tomato paste, and the cheese used is often a fresh mozzarella or a blend of different cheeses.

Preparation techniques used in gourmet Italian pizzas:

Gourmet Italian pizzas are typically prepared in wood-fired ovens, which gives them a distinctive smoky flavor. The pizzas are often cooked at a high temperature, which allows the crust to cook quickly and evenly. The toppings are typically added after the pizza has been cooked, which allows them to retain their flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Italian pizzas come in various styles, from the classic Margherita to the classic pizza from Italy with truffles and porcini mushrooms. Each style has its unique characteristics and ingredients, making them popular among pizza lovers worldwide.


Italian pizzas have become one of the most popular foods in the world, and for a good reason. They are delicious, versatile, and can be made with various ingredients. Whether you prefer a classic Italian Margherita or  four cheese pizzas, there is a pizza for everyone.


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If you are interested in trying authentic Italian pizzas, we recommend visiting PizzaBien.com which specializes in authentic Italian pizzas. Be sure to look for pizzerias that use high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation techniques, and don't be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. With so many different types of Italian pizzas to choose from, you are sure to find a pizza that you will  love. 


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