Pizza al taglio
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ll no doubt have caught wind of this delectable delicacy.
Pizza al taglio is a thick, traditional pizza that originated in Rome. It is made with a rectangular-shaped dough base, topped with delectable ingredients and cut into square or rectangular slices. This delicacy is renowned for its fluffy, airy texture and its intensely flavourful toppings.
This pizza is usually served hot and is best consumed straight away. There are many variations of Pizza al taglio and each one has its own unique texture and taste. Some common toppings include artichokes, mushrooms, ham, salami, olives, tomatoes and mozzarella.
The history of Pizza al taglio dates back to the early 1900s when it was made in small Roman trattorias. It quickly became popular due to its affordability and convenience, and soon enough it spread to other parts of Italy. Now, it can be found all over the world and is particularly popular in Europe.
In terms of preparation, Pizza al taglio is relatively simple yet intricate. The dough is prepared with flour, water, olive oil and yeast, before being left to rise. After this, it is flattened, shaped and topped with ingredients. Once these toppings are added, the pizza is baked at a high temperature until golden brown.
The great thing about Pizza al taglio is that it can be enjoyed both as a snack or a meal. Whether you’re having it on the go or sharing it with friends, it’s bound to be a delicious experience. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should give it a go – it may just become your next favourite pizza!
Pizza al taglio recipes
Amazing Pizza al taglio recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Pizza al taglio
It's hard to picture anyone's life without pizza, and yet the all-time favorite dish was only invented a few centuries ago. The modern version of the beloved pizza al taglio, which translates literally as “pizza by the slice”, has its roots in the Roman tradition which dates back to the 19th century.
This type of pizza is usually sold as large rectangular or rounded slabs, deeply cut into pieces of various sizes and shapes that are then served with toppings of your choice. It is traditionally baked in wood-fired ovens, where the crust is usually thicker and crispier compared to traditional round pizzas.
The origin of the pizza al taglio goes back to the Roman street food vendors who would cook their pizza slices at night, then cut them and keep them in hot ovens during the day so they could be sold during the supper hour throughout the capital and its outskirts. The pizza made this way was called pizza al trancio, literally meaning "slice pizza".
At first, these pizzas were prepared using the classic ingredients such as tomatoes, mozzarella, anchovies and oregano, but over time the Roman people added many other ingredients such as mushrooms, capers, ham, pepperoni, peppers and olives, making it even more delicious.
The unique feature of pizza al taglio is not only its dough and toppings, but also its cutting style. As the pizzas are cut thickly, they usually weigh between 200 and 500 grams, and are usually served as individual slices that can be eaten right away or taken away. This type of pizza is especially convenient because it allows customers to adjust their portion size based on their appetite.
Today, pizza al taglio continues to be a popular street food in Rome, although it has also become popular in other Italian cities and abroad, where you can find it in both restaurants and supermarkets. Regardless of its location, pizza al taglio has quickly become one of the most popular dishes in the world, proving that its origin centuries ago was an excellent decision!
Types of Pizza al taglio
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When it comes to pizza, there's no denying that Italy has perfected the art. But as any pizza-lover worth their salami knows, there are an array of varieties within the realm of Italian pizzaography. One of the lesser known variants, however, is pizza al taglio. This type of pizza requires a certain technique and finesse to truly master, and its unique flavors give it a delicious distinction from more traditional styles.
Pizza al taglio – which translates to pizza by the slice – is cooked in rectangular shapes instead of the usual circular pies. This difference in shape not only characterizes this variety, but also influences its texture: pizza al taglio is sliced into larger, longer slices than the classic round pizza, resulting in different size and cut options. It's often seen served in squares or rectangles, but you can also find triangular slices in some places.
A hallmark characteristic of pizza al taglio is that it's made with a thinner, crispier crust which has a slightly crunchy and chewy texture. The dough usually consists of simple ingredients including flour, water, salt, oil, and yeast, but some recipes will add sugar and even some other grains. The toppings are also rather sparse, so they need to be carefully selected to enhance the overall flavor. Mozzarella cheese tends to be used often, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, green peppers, and mushrooms. You may also see pesto, prosciutto, and olives as accompaniments.
For those looking for a unique take on the traditional Italian staple, pizza al taglio is a great option. With its thin base and finely-crafted toppings, this style offers up a taste sensation like no other. And with a handful of reputable pizza al taglio establishments popping up all over the world, you can now enjoy this unique dish without even leaving your hometown. So whether you're looking for a novel lunch option or just something tasty to share with friends and family, pizza al taglio is sure to please.