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Pizza is an iconic dish that is loved and enjoyed around the world. While pizza has been adapted in many different ways, there is no denying the deliciousness of classic Italian pizza.
Italy is home to some of the best types of pizza one can find. From the classic Margherita and Marinara pizzas to those with a unique twist, Italian pizza has something to offer everyone.
In this article, we will explore the different types of italian pizza found in Italy and what makes them so special. From traditional recipes to more modern takes on classic flavors, let’s dive into the world of Italian pizzas!
History of Italian pizza
Pizza has been around since the Neolithic era when Italians began topping flatbreads with oil, herbs, and cheese. This evolved over time until it eventually became what we now know as pizza in the 1700s.
Pizza didn’t become popular outside of Italy until much later, however. It wasn’t until 1889 that Italian immigrant Raffaele Esposito created the Margherita pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy in Naples.
This was a revolutionary move as it introduced tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese to pizza, two ingredients that would become staples in traditional Italian pizzas.
Different Types of Italian Pizza: What are they?
1). Neapolitan pizza
Neapolitan pizza is one of the most iconic types of Italian pizza and it has a special place in the heart of Italians. The traditional ingredients are simple but they create a delicious combination. Traditionally, Neapolitan pizza consists of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and salt.
It can also have other toppings such as anchovies, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-burning oven at extremely high temperatures for a very short period of time.
This gives it an incredibly thin and crispy crust while still keeping the toppings juicy and flavorful.
Origin and History
Neapolitan pizza originated in the city of Naples, Italy. It has since spread around the world and become one of the most popular types of Italian pizzas. The original recipe was created by local bakers who used tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and salt to create a delicious combination.
Over time, the recipe evolved to include other ingredients like anchovies, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. Today, Neapolitan pizza is a beloved dish enjoyed by many around the world.
Characteristics
Neapolitan pizza has some key characteristics that make it stand out from other types of Italian pizzas. The crust is thin and crisp, yet still chewy on the inside. The toppings are fresh and flavorful, with no one topping overpowering the others. Finally, Neapolitan pizza is cooked quickly in a wood-burning oven to give it an extra smoky flavor.
Popular toppings and variations
Neapolitan pizza is served with traditional toppings such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and salt. However there are many variations to the classic recipe. Popular variations include adding anchovies, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives or even cured meats like prosciutto or salami. Other variations include adding different types of cheese or even eliminating one or more of the traditional toppings.
Total: Neapolitan pizza is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. With its thin and crispy crust, flavorful toppings, and smoky flavor, it’s no wonder why Neapolitan pizza has become an international favorite.
By understanding the origin, characteristics, and variations of this unique type of Italian pizza, one can appreciate its deliciousness even more. So go ahead and enjoy a slice of Neapolitan pizza today!
2). Roman pizza
Roman pizza is a popular type of Italian pizza that has been around since the 18th century. Traditional Roman pizza recipes are simple, often consisting of only flour, water, salt, and yeast as toppings. The dough is left to rise for several hours before it is rolled out and cooked in wood-fired ovens at very high temperatures.
Origin and history
Roman pizza has its roots in 18th century Rome. The original recipes were simple, using only flour, water, salt, and yeast as toppings. Over time the recipe evolved to include more ingredients such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, and fresh basil leaves. Roman pizza is now a beloved dish enjoyed by many around the world.
Characteristics
Roman pizza has some unique characteristics that make it stand out from other types of Italian pizzas. The crust is thin and crisp, with a chewy texture on the inside. The toppings are simple yet flavorful, often including tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and salt.
The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures for a short period of time to give it an extra smoky flavor.
Popular toppings and variations
Roman pizza is traditionally served with simple yet flavorful toppings such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and salt. Variations of this classic recipe include adding different types of cheeses or cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. Other variations include eliminating one or more of the traditional toppings.
Total: Roman pizza is a beloved Italian dish that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. With its thin and crispy crust, flavorful toppings, and smoky flavor, it’s no wonder why Roman pizza has become an international favorite.
By understanding the origin, characteristics, and variations of this unique type of Italian pizza, one can truly appreciate its deliciousness even more. So go ahead and enjoy a slice of Roman pizza today!
3). Sicilian pizza
Origin and history
Sicilian pizza is a type of Italian pizza that originated in Sicily. It is known for its thick crust and rectangular shape. The traditional toppings are simple yet flavorful, often consisting of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and oregano.
Over time the recipe evolved to include other ingredients such as anchovies, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives. Sicilian pizza is now enjoyed by many around the world.
Characteristics
Sicilian pizza has some key characteristics that make it stand out from other types of Italian pizzas. The crust is thick and slightly chewy with a crisp edge due to its high-temperature baking technique.
The toppings are simple yet flavorful, often including tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and oregano. Finally, Sicilian pizza is cooked quickly in a wood-fired oven to give it an extra smoky flavor.
Popular toppings and variations
Sicilian pizza is traditionally served with simple yet flavorful toppings such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and oregano. Variations of this classic recipe include adding different types of cheeses or cured meats such as prosciutto or salami.
Other variations include eliminating one or more of the traditional toppings or adding ingredients such as anchovies, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives.
Total: Sicilian pizza is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. With its thick crust and flavorful toppings, Sicilian pizza is sure to please any palate. By understanding the origin, characteristics, and variations of this unique type of Italian pizza, one can truly appreciate its deliciousness even more. So go ahead and enjoy a slice of Sicilian pizza today!
4). Calzone
Origin and history
Calzone is a type of Italian pizza that originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. It is made with folded pizza dough filled with typical pizza toppings such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and salt. The dough is then sealed and cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures.
Characteristics
Calzone has some unique characteristics that make it stand out from other types of Italian pizzas. The dough is thick and slightly chewy due to its high-temperature baking technique, while the filling is flavorful and often includes tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and salt.
The pizza is then sealed and cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures to give it an extra smoky flavor.
Popular toppings and variations
Calzone is traditionally served with simple yet flavorful toppings such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and salt. Variations of this classic recipe include adding different types of cheeses or cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. Other variations include eliminating one or more of the traditional toppings or adding ingredients such as anchovies, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives.
Total: Calzone is a beloved Italian dish that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. With its thick dough, flavorful filling, and smoky flavor, it’s no wonder why Calzone has become an international favorite. By understanding the origin, characteristics, and variations of this unique type of Italian pizza, one can truly appreciate its deliciousness even more. So go ahead and enjoy a slice of Calzone today!
5). Focaccia
Origin and history
Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that originated in the region of Liguria, Italy. It is made with a simple dough consisting of flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. The dough is then spread into an oven-baked pan and covered with toppings such as olives, onions, tomatoes or herbs.
The bread is then baked in a wood-fired oven until it is golden and crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Characteristics
Focaccia has some unique characteristics that make it stand out from other types of Italian breads. The dough is simple yet flavorful, consisting of flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt.
It is then spread into an oven-baked pan and covered with toppings such as olives, onions, tomatoes or herbs. Finally, Focaccia is baked in a wood-fired oven until it is golden and crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Popular toppings and variations
Focaccia is traditionally served with simple yet flavorful toppings such as olives, onions, tomatoes or herbs. Variations of this classic recipe include adding different types of cheeses or cured meats such as prosciutto or salami. Other variations include eliminating one or more of the traditional toppings or adding ingredients such as anchovies, mushrooms, peppers, and capers.
Total: Focaccia is a timeless Italian dish that has been enjoyed around the world for centuries. With its simple dough, flavorful toppings, and wood-fired flavor, it’s no wonder why Focaccia is a crowd favorite.
By understanding the origin, characteristics, and variations of this unique type of Italian bread, one can truly appreciate its deliciousness even more. So go ahead and enjoy a slice of Focaccia today!
Conclusion
Sicilian pizza, Calzone, and Focaccia are all beloved Italian dishes that have been enjoyed around the world for centuries. These unique types of Italian pizzas and breads each have their own distinct characteristics such as their dough type, toppings, baking techniques, and flavor.
Variations of these classic recipes include adding different types of cheeses or cured meats as well as eliminating one or more of the traditional toppings or adding ingredients such as anchovies, mushrooms, onions, peppers, olives and capers.
By understanding the origin, characteristics and variations of these Italian dishes, one can truly appreciate their deliciousness even more. Whether you love Sicilian pizza, Calzone, or Focaccia – go ahead and enjoy a slice of this classic Italian cuisine today!