Introduction: Love for Pizza
Pizza has a long history that dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where flatbread people have had the habit of topping with different ingredients and baking it using a wood-fired oven. But the pizza that is popular now has its origin in the city of Italy.
In the late 18th century, in the small town of Naples, the Italian peasants had the habit of topping their flatbreads with tomatoes, cheese and other available ingredients.
It became so popular that it found its way into almost all world countries. The main characteristic of pizza that helped it survive is its ability to accept different ingredients and produce different varieties.
Authenticity is the Key
There are a few key things to look for when trying to find the authenticity of an Italian pizza. Mainly they are:
- Dough
- Toppings
- Cheese and
- Cooking Method
i) Look for an Italian Restaurant
If you want to experience the taste of an Italian pizza, make sure the restaurant you are considering is an Italian restaurant instead of a place where pizza is just part of a more extensive menu.
Authentic Italian restaurants will often have a variety of Italian dishes on their menu and will usually use ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella in their pizzas.
ii) Triad of Dough, Toppings and Cheese
Authentic Italian pizza is made with a specific type of thin, crispy, and slightly chewy dough. The dough should be made with simple ingredients like flour, water, salt and yeast.
While topping is typically made up of high-quality ingredients. The topping should be fresh and flavourful. They should not dominate the flavour of dough and cheese.
And the cheese that is usually used is mozzarella because it is soft, smooth and white with a creamy texture. There are other Italian cheeses available too, and they are:
- Parmesan
- Pecorino and
- Romano
iii) Wood-Fired Oven
The cooking style is one of the essential aspects that set the flavour. Italian pizza is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, which gives it a unique flavour and texture.
And if the restaurant is using a wood-fired oven, then it is a good sign that they are trying to reproduce and give its customer an authentic Italian pizza experience.
Pair up your Pizza
At an authetic Italian restaurant, one should take advantage of the chance to pair the pizza with a dessert. As many options pair well with an Italian pizza. Some classic Italian desserts that you can try after an Italian pizza are:
- Gelato: A creamy, frozen treat made with milk, cream, and sugar and often flavoured with fruit, chocolate, and nuts.
- Biscotti: A twice-baked, crunchy cookie typically made with almonds or other nuts and dipped in a sweet glaze.
- Panna cotta: a creamy, set dessert made with heavy cream, milk, and sugar, and it is often flavoured with vanilla or fruit.
- Cannoli: A fried, tube-shaped pastry with a sweet, creamy filling made with ricotta cheese and flavoured with chocolate and nuts.
- Tiramisu: A layered dessert made with ladyfinger biscuits soaked in espresso and topped with sugar and cheese.
i) Peak into their Wine Cabinet
Pairing wine with Italian pizza can be a fun and joyful experience, and different wines can bring out different flavours and characteristics of a pizza. A few guidelines to follow when pairing wine with Italian pizza are:
- Red wine would be a good choice for a classic Margherita pizza made with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- For a pizza with spicy toppings, such as pepperoni, a red wine with a ripe, fruity flavour would be a good choice.
- For a pizza with seafood toppings, such as shrimp, a glass of white wine with bright and crisp flavour would be a wise choice.
- A white wine with a citrus flavour would be a good choice for a pizza with vegetable toppings, such as onions or mushrooms.
In the end, the best pair for any Italian pizza is a matter of personal choice, so be bold, mix up, and experiment and find out what you like the most.
The Variety of Sauces
Many different types of sauces are used in Italian pizzas, and they are:
- Tomato sauce: A classic pizza sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
- Pesto: A sauce made from basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Alfredo: A creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- BBQ sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce made from tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
- Garlic sauce: A sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and sometimes cream or butter.
- Arugula pesto: A sauce made from arugula, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
i) Variety of Spices
A variety of spices that are used in an Italian pizza to add flavour and depth are:
- Oregano: An aromatic and slightly bitter herb that adds a classic Italian flavour to the pizza.
- Basil: A sweet and fragrant herb that pairs well with tomato sauce and adds a fresh, bright flavour to pizzas.
- Garlic: Pungent and aromatic spice that adds more depth and flavour to the pizza.
- Red pepper flakes: A spicy and flavourful spice that adds heat and depth to pizza.
- Paprika: A sweet and smoky spice that adds depth to pizza.
Explore Beyond the Horizon
Never settle for any one flavour, one ingredient or one place. Pizza is never static; it is constantly changing, and with new combinations, it is always something different.
So go beyond the standard conventions, experiment with different flavours and combinations, and find out what you really love.
i) Talk to the Staff
If you are new to the cuisine and need clarification on what to get at a particular place, Feel free to talk with the staff available. Mostly, they know more about pizza, so get some ideas out of them.
Jonah’s Bistro
Jonah’s Bistro is a product of a father and son who likes to travel and experience different cultural cuisines. Jonah’s Bistro is known for its Italian dishes and Japanese, Continental and European cuisines.
For food lovers who are looking to have an authentic experience, visit: Jonah’s Bistro
Conclusion
Pizza is a universally loved food, and with the help of this information, now you can be the captain of your group and guide them to an unforgettable experience at a beautiful Italian restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What do italians call pizza?
Crostata and Torta are two different names that Italians use for Pizza, even though they are addressed as Pizza worldwide.
2. What is the most iconic pizza?
The most iconic pizza of all time is the Margherita pizza, which is loved and ordered by every one across the world.
3. What are the 3 styles of pizza?
The most famous pizza that are liked by everyone around the world are Neapolitan Pizza, Greek Pizza, and New York-Style Pizza.
4. What makes Italian Pizza different?
The sauce that is used in Italian Pizza is what makes all the difference. Because they use olive oil, pureed fresh tomatoes, garlic, and oregano unlike slow cooked tomatoes that are used in the countries like the US.
