The World's Best Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza
Introduction
Neapolitan pizza is one of the most famous and popular dishes in the world. Originating from the city of Naples, Italy, this type of pizza is known for its soft, chewy crust, fresh tomato sauce, and simple, high-quality toppings. In this blog we will explore the history, ingredients and techniques that make Neapolitan pizza so special.
The history of Neapolitan pizza
The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but it wasn't until the 16th century that pizza as we know it today began to take shape. Pizza was initially a simple peasant dish, made from whatever ingredients were on hand. In Naples, where tomatoes were abundant, tomato sauce became a basic ingredient in pizza making.
It wasn't until the late 19th century that pizza became popular outside of Naples. In 1889, the Margherita pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was visiting Naples at the time. The pizza was made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil, and the colors of the ingredients were meant to represent the Italian flag.
Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) was founded in Naples in 1984 to protect and promote traditional Neapolitan pizza. AVPN has strict guidelines for what constitutes a true Neapolitan pizza, including the use of specific ingredients, preparation methods and cooking techniques.
What makes a Neapolitan pizza different?
Neapolitan pizza is known for its simple but delicious toppings and soft, chewy crust. The crust is made from high-protein flour, water, yeast and salt and left to rise for several hours before being shaped by hand. The crust is then topped with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil and baked in a wood-fired oven at high heat for just 60 to 90 seconds.
Toppings on Neapolitan pizzas are intentionally simple to let the flavors of the crust, sauce and cheese shine. The tomatoes used in the sauce must be San Marzano, a specific type of tomato grown in the Campania region of Italy. The cheese has to be mozzarella di bufala, made from water buffalo milk, which gives it a creamy texture and distinct flavor.
Another defining characteristic of Neapolitan pizza is its slightly tanned edges, which are created by the high heat of the wood-fired oven. The crust should be soft and chewy, with a slightly crunchy texture on the bottom. Pizza should be served hot, straight from the oven, and eaten with a knife and fork.
Why is Neapolitan pizza so popular?
Neapolitan pizza has become popular around the world, and pizzerias are serving up their own versions of the classic dish. So why has Neapolitan pizza captured the hearts and taste buds of so many?
One of the reasons is the simplicity of the ingredients. Neapolitan pizza is made from only a few high-quality ingredients that allow its flavors to penetrate. The crust is the star of the show, and the toppings complement it, not overwhelm it.
Another reason for its popularity is the nostalgia factor. Many people have fond memories of eating pizza with their family and friends, and Neapolitan pizza is often associated with those happy times. There's something comforting about hot, fresh pizza straight from the oven, and Neapolitan pizza brings you that comfort.
Finally, Neapolitan pizza has become popular due to its artisanal nature. The dough is made by hand, the sauce is made from scratch and the pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven. This attention to detail and craftsmanship gives pizza a special quality that it cannot
Ingredients
The ingredients used to make a Neapolitan pizza are simple and few, but of the highest quality. Here are the main ingredients you will need to make a classic Neapolitan pizza:
1: Flour – The flour used to make Neapolitan pizza is a special type of wheat flour known as “00” flour. This flour is finely milled and low in protein, giving the pizza crust a soft, chewy texture.
2: Water – The water used to make the pizza dough is also important. It should be cool and clean, with a low mineral content.
3: Yeast - Yeast is used to leaven dough and give it rise. Neapolitan pizza dough is usually made with fresh yeast, which gives it a slightly sour taste.
4: Salt – Salt is used to enhance the flavor of the dough.
5: Tomatoes – The tomato sauce used to top Neapolitan pizza is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius. These tomatoes are known for their sweet, tangy flavor and low acidity.
6: Mozzarella Cheese – The cheese used to top the Neapolitan pizza is fresh mozzarella cheese, which is made from water buffalo milk. This cheese is soft, creamy and slightly spicy.
How to make
1. Preheat the oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 500-550°F).
2. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin, even circle. Place on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a little space around the edge for the crust. Use a spoon or ladle to spread evenly.
4. Add sliced or torn fresh mozzarella cheese to the tomato sauce and distribute evenly.
5. Add other ingredients such as sliced mushrooms, hot peppers or sausage.
6. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with salt.
7. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan pizza!
No comments:
Post a Comment