Pizza
This popular meal has evolved over the centuries, but its origin can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. With a thick dough crust, herbs, and cheese, it was originally known as "plakous", a flatbread topped with oil, herbs, and spices. During the Middle Ages, this dish evolved in Italy, where they began to add additional toppings like tomatoes, which was an exotic import at the time. It was during this time that the dish earned its familiar name "pizza".
Since its Italian inception of what we now recognize as pizza, it has continued to have an impact on culture and cuisine, reflecting changing ingredients and preferences of different generations. From New York-style pizzas with its thin crust and generous amounts of melted cheese to deep dish Chicago pizzas that are bursting with flavor and tomato sauce, these varieties are expressions of modern recipes along with the cultural influences.
Given its long history, pizza has become more than just a simple meal; it has come to symbolize the way that cultures interact and share their respective tales through food. Whether you're grabbing a slice in Italy or feasting on a pepperoni and mushroom pie in Los Angeles, it’s easy to see how pizza has become an international force in our culinary landscape. The next time you order your favorite pizza, take a moment to appreciate its symphonic story of history and heritage.
Pizza dishes
A selection of Pizza dishes.
Pizza Calzone
Ah, the Pizza Calzone. A delicacy that is sure to ignite your taste buds and have you coming back for more! This delectable Italian-style dish is essentially a folded pizza with a filling of cheese, meats, or vegetables. It can be round, square, or even an elongated rectangle, sure to satisfy any hungry person’s craving.
Pizza Calzone
Pizza quattro stagioni
When I think of Pizza quattro stagioni - the traditional Italian dish of four-season pizza - my heart skips a beat. It's a culinary virtuoso, whose ebullience and audaciousness reinforce my resolute percipience that pizza can be infinitely more than just a guilty pleasure.
Pizza quattro stagioni
Pizza frutti di mare
Pizza Frutti di Mare, or sea fruit pizza as it is commonly referred to in the English-speaking world, is a unique and sumptuous Italian dish. This seafood pizza combines an array of disparate flavors, with tomato sauce and cheese anchoring a vibrant medley of enticing ingredients. With succulent prawns, mussels, squid and anchovies, Pizza frutti di mare is a panoply of colors and textures making for an unforgettable meal.
Pizza frutti di mare
Pizza pugliese
If you're looking for an authentic and delicious Italian dish that packs a flavourful punch, then the Pizza Pugliese is a must-try. Originating from the picturesque region of Puglia in Italy's south, this tasty pizza is sure to tantalise your taste buds with its vibrant flavours and textures.
Pizza pugliese
Pizza ai quattro formaggi
Ah, the classic dish of Pizza ai quattro formaggi. This Italian favorite is a staple of Italian cuisine, enjoyed by people around the world for its delightfully piquant flavor and unique blend of cheeses. With a light crispy crust and medley of four distinct cheeses, it's easy to see why this pizza is so beloved.
Pizza ai quattro formaggi
Pizza alla napoletana
Ah, pizza alla napoletana! The very words can send a shiver of delicious anticipation down the spine of any gastronome worth their salt. It's hard to imagine a more delectable marriage of culinary traditions than pizza in its truest form.
Pizza alla napoletana
Pizza Focaccia al rosmarino
Pizza Focaccia al rosmarino is a delectable Italian delight that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and make your taste buds sing. This pizza begins with a thick, doughy base made from bread flour, olive oil, rosemary, and salt that's been slowly proofed until it's soft and airy. It's then topped with creamy mozzarella cheese, lightly sautéed fresh rosemary, and the zesty flavors of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The result is a flavor explosion that's both unique and versatile.
Pizza Focaccia al rosmarino
Pizza ai funghi e salsiccia
As I sit here, basking in the gentle autumnal sunshine, the thought of pizza with mushrooms and sausage suddenly strikes me. It is one of my favourite Italian dishes and its complex combination of rich flavours is an absolute delight for my palate.
Pizza ai funghi e salsicciaPizza
Ah, pizza--everyone's favorite delicious comfort food. Pizzas can easily be tailored to suit any taste, making them a beloved staple in homes and restaurants worldwide. But what makes pizza so unique and special? Well, for one, there are endless ways to make it your own with an array of toppings, cheeses and sauces. Plus, when it comes to food pairings, the possibilities are practically endless!
For starters, what would pizza be without its classic sidekick—the humble garlic bread? Nothing screams “pizza night” quite like a piping hot tray of garlic bread. And if you want to switch things up, why not try pairing your pizza with some antipasti, such as grilled peppers and Italian salami? Not only is it delicious, it also adds some visual flair to the plate.
Pizza and salad are also a classic combo, especially if you go the extra mile and make a homemade salad dressing. Topped with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, this will create a scrumptious pairing that won’t break the bank.
Pasta is another excellent companion for pizza. From lasagna to spaghetti, the world of pasta dishes offers a myriad of flavor combinations to consider. Moreover, you don’t have to limit yourself to Italian dishes; there are plenty of other global cuisine options out there. For instance, why not try a Thai noodle dish instead? The nutty complexity of a sweet peanut sauce pairs perfectly with most classic pizzas.
And let’s not forget about desserts; pizza and dessert are a match made in heaven! Sweet vanilla ice cream makes a great accompaniment for salty pizzas, while chocolate-chip cookies are a delicious semifreddo or tiramisu topping. And if you really want to be adventurous, you could try making a pizza-cake. Yes, you heard that right! It’s as odd as it sounds, but the overall effect is strangely good.
From creative toppings to innovative food pairings, pizza offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to savor a classic combination of flavors or mix it up with some unusual pairings, the possibilities are endless. Now, the only thing left to do is grab some dough and get creative!
History of Pizza
Pizza has been the beloved dish of many generations, with its origins stretching back centuries. But what exactly gave rise to this delectable pie?
It is widely believed that pizza's roots can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where flatbread known as plakountos was topped with oil, herbs and cheese. From there, it eventually made its way to Italy, where it was further refined to become what we now recognise as pizza.
The most likely source of the modern incarnation of pizza originates from the city of Naples, Italy in the 18th century. As the story goes, a local baker named Raffaele Esposito created the first true pizza. He used a base of bread dough spread with a combination of tomatoes, mozarella cheese and a garnish of basil – ingredients which are still plentiful in Italian cuisine today.
Esposito had chosen these specific ingredients to represent the colours of the Italian flag, and his creation became an instant hit. Soon after, the margherita pizza was born. This version featured an even more vibrant combination of ingredients – tomato sauce, mozarella and fragrant basil – which represented the colours of the Italian tricolour.
Esposito's invention quickly gained popularity throughout the region, eventually becoming a staple of Italian cooking. The rest, as they say, is history!
Today, pizza has become a ubiquitous part of global cuisine and culture, with many countries adapting their own versions of the traditional toppings with locally sourced ingredients and providing their own unique spin on the classic dish.
So the next time you enjoy a slice of pizza, consider the incredible journey it has been on to get to your plate. Through hard work, creativity and an enduring appreciation for good food, pizza has kept its place as one of the world's favourite dishes for centuries.