Since time immemorial, pizza has been a symbol of fun, deliciousness, and nostalgia in cultures across the world, and has interested culinarians and casual diners alike. Without question, understanding the art of pizza making is essential to truly appreciating the wonders of the classic Italian cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore two well-known styles of pizza-making from Italy, neapolitan and Roman, to learn more about the delightful and traditional art of pizza-making.
1. “Masters of Dough: Unveiling the Secrets Behind Neapolitan and Roman Pizzas”
When it comes to pizza, Italy is far and away king. Here in the United States, we may have developed our own spin on the classic Italian recipes, but nothing can beat the real deal. In recent years, Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas have been taking the American pizza world by storm, with their unique preparation methods that have been refined for centuries. What makes these pizzas stand out, how are they made, and why are they so popular? Let’s find out!
The Basics of Neapolitan and Roman Pizza Starting Blocks
The first step to making any of these pizzas begins with the dough. Neapolitan-style pizza dough is made from 00 Italian flour, salt, water, and meticulously sourced yeast. Roman pizza dough has the same ingredients, though the flour has a slightly lower protein content to make it a bit easier to stretch. After the dough is made, it must be allowed to ferment for at least 24 hours to build up flavor.
Shaping and Baking the Pizza
- Neapolitan pizzas are usually hand-shaped into rounds about 14 inches in diameter.
- Roman pizzas are usually stretched and shaped by hand or on a tool called a mattarello. This results in a thin, rectangular pizza with a slightly raised edge.
Both styles of pizza are matte again cooked in wood-fired ovens. The hot temperatures inside these ovens causes the dough to puff and rise, giving them the characteristic texture and flavor. Neapolitan pizzas are generally cooked for 60-90 seconds, while Roman pizzas take from 3-4 minutes.
Toppings and Finishing Touches.
Neapolitan and Roman pizzas are both usually made quite simple, with only a few high-quality toppings. While the desired selection can vary, it is typically topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. To finish, they are then baked again to further brown the cheese and create a crusty crust.
2. “Captivating the Tastebuds: The Magic of Neapolitan Pizza Making”
Neapolitan pizza making is an art that has captivated foodies all over the world. Every bite of this unique Italian dish allows for an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Here are 4 elements of Neapolitan pizza making that contribute to its emergence as one of Italy’s most famous delicacies.
1. Timing is Everything:
A Neapolitan pizza should cook for only a short amount of time in an extremely hot oven. Depending on the size and thickness of the pie, it needs to be cooked in a wood-fired oven for a maximum of 90 seconds. The goal is for the bottom to stay very thin and for the top to be formed a slight char.
2. Crimped Edges for Extra Crust:
The unique dough of Neapolitan pizza is formed into a circle shape with a structure of air pockets. The edges are crimped with the fingers in a process known as cornicione. This gives the pizza an extra layer of dough and cragginess, adding delightfully to the flavor.
3. High Quality Ingredients:
The quality of ingredients used in Neapolitan pizza is crucial and can really make or break the dish. For the base, a robust ’00’ Italian flour is used alongside natural spring water, sea salt and yeast. As a topping, San Marzano tomatoes, Fior di Latte cheese and fresh basil are the most popular go-to ingredients.
4. Topping Distinctions:
The quantity and placement of the toppings is an essential part of Neapolitan pizza making. The toppings should always be distributed evenly and lightly, leaving the ingredients to meld together in the oven. This element creates a delicate balance in the flavor of the pizza and helps to bring out all the nuances of the dish.
All of these elements combined make for an unforgettable pizza experience that just keeps people coming back for more. If you’re looking to explore the world of Neapolitan pizzas, then this is one Italian convention that is truly worth a try.
3. “From Ancient Rome to Modern Kitchens: The Evolution of Roman Pizzas”
Roman pizzas date back centuries. To recreate this historic Italian dish, you no longer need to search the street of Rome. This delectable dish is now available in nearly every kitchen.
Ancient Roman Pizzas
- These pies were different from the pizza we know today. They ranged from round to less than a quarter the diameter of small pizzas.
- Ancient Roman pizzas consisted of oil and herbs on top of a flatbread, barring a few exceptions which included mushrooms and onions.
- One variation was a popular street food and was small, flat, and held by hand rather than a fork.
Renaissance to Neapolitan Reinvention
- The Renaissance saw the emergence of more ingredients including tomatoes, mozzarella, garlic and herbs.
- These ingredients countered the blandness of Roman dishes, yet still adhered to its original flatbread base.
- By the mid-1700s, pizza in Naples was developed where it still remains today as the most iconic style.
Modern Kitchens
- Thanks to the invention of the refrigerator, pizzas are now found in more kitchens than ever before.
- Modern pizzas are shaped into a circular disk and are much thicker than Roman ones.
- You will also find ingredients like pineapple and meat, which were unheard of in ancient Roman times.
Today, Roman pizzas have evolved in extraordinary ways, reimagined according to personal tastes and the availability of modern ingredients. Whether you’re grabbing a slice of pizza in Italy or making it in your own kitchen, you can thank the Romans for the iconic Italian dish.
4. “A Delicious Duel: Contrasting the Techniques of Neapolitan and Roman Pizza Craftsmanship
The Italian cities of Naples and Rome are well-known for producing some of the world’s finest pizzas. The two cities are separated by hundreds of miles, and each has developed their own unique style, recipes and techniques for creating delicious pies.
The crafted versions of Neapolitan and Roman pizza vary in numerous ways – from the ingredients to the cooking method. Neapolitan pizza is made with very few, high-quality ingredients; typically just tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil and extra-virgin olive oil. Roman Style pizza is made with a wider variety of ingredients, such as onions, garlic, olives, peppers, anchovies and cured meats.
The cooking techniques for Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas also differ. Neapolitan pizza must be made in wood-burning ovens and cooked for no longer than ninety seconds. Roman pizza, however, is characteristically larger and can take up to five minutes to bake in a standard oven. This extended cooking time leads to a much crispier crust as compared to Neapolitan pizza. In addition, Roman-style is typically lighter than its Neapolitan cousin, as it uses less tomato sauce.
The differences between Neapolitan and Roman pizzas don’t stop there:
- Neapolitan pizza has a thicker and softer crust, while Roman pizza has a thin and crispy crust.
- Neapolitan pizza has a distinct disk-like shape, while Roman pizza is usually served in a rectangular shape.
- Neapolitan pizza is typically served smaller than its Roman counterpart.
Each style of pizza has its own appeal and offers a unique culinary experience that is sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings. Whether you put your taste-buds to the test with a classic Naples-style Margherita pizza, or savor the flavors of Roman-style fare, you’re sure to appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that has gone into these two Italian varieties of pizza.
As the street-food of Rome and the flavors of Naples find harmony in the art of pizza-making, the resulting flavors are far greater than the sum of the ingredients. Each bite brings tales from two ancient cities to life, while tempting the palate with tantalizing sights, smells and tastes.So, don a floured apron, assemble your ingredients, and grab the peel—it’s time to experience the savory and delightful art of pizza-making.
