Image by Ivan Torres

Pizza romana

Ah the mouthwatering sensation of a freshly-made Pizza romana! This Italian classic dish is a tried and tested favorite of pizza lovers all around the world, with its unique flavor and substantial ingredients that make it truly irresistible.

Pizza romana


The dough of a Pizza romana is what really sets it apart from other pizzas, as it's made of special type of flour called “00” (it's divided into a few different types, but for this dish one should use the softest type) that has been processed twice in order to obtain the most delicate consistency. This dough is then hand-shaped into a round disc that is then left to rise in a warm environment. This technique allows the crust to become truly airy and light, with a slight crunch once baked.

The toppings are just as important as the dough, and with Pizza romana no ingredient is ever overlooked. The main topping is usually tomato sauce, which is often accompanied by anchovies, capers, garlic and basil, providing an intricate and intense flavor to the pizza. You may also find high-quality extra virgin olive oil, adding a further depth to the taste. This not only makes the dish amazingly flavourful, but it also gives it a vibrant and robust appearance.

When it comes time to bake the pizza, it is cooked in a special clay oven which gives it a unique and unmistakable taste. A Pizza romana should have an outstanding balance between a crunchy crust and a soft texture, making it a delightfully delightful pizza to devour. The final touch? Top it off with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, giving it the perfect finishing touch.

Overall, Pizza romana is a must-have if you're looking for a truly authentic Italian experience. From the delightful taste of its special dough to the exquisite toppings, this pizza offers an exquisite culinary journey that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Trust us: you won't be able to resist!

The origin of Pizza romana

Ah, pizza romana. The Italian marvel that has become beloved in almost every corner of the world. But what is the origin of this delicious dish? Believe it or not, the story of pizza romana dates back centuries!

Pizza romana first appeared in the 16th century, when it was recognised as an edible specialty at the court of Pope Clement VIII. According to tradition, the Pope's favorite chef, Bartolomeo Scappi, created the dish during a visit to the city of Rome. It consisted of a thin, crunchy dough topped with a thin layer of tomato sauce, anchovies and mozzarella cheese.

Scappi's recipe was simple yet effective, and soon spread throughout Italy, where it was adopted by bakers and other food vendors. By the 19th century, pizza romana had become a popular street food enjoyed by all economic classes. However, it wasn't until after World War II that the dish became ubiquitous - particularly in the United States.

Today, pizza romana remains a beloved favorite around the world. Variations on the classic version have been created, such as adding different cheeses, meats and herbs, but the basic elements remain the same. No matter how you dress it up, pizza romana is sure to delight - just as it did centuries ago.

FAQs about Pizza romana

Is Romana pizza thin?

Romana pizza is typically a thin-crust pizza, but it can come in other sizes as well.


What does Romana mean for pizza?

Romana is a style of pizza that originated in Italy. It features a thin crust, more cheese than other varieties, and a topping of tomatoes, sometimes olives and other vegetables. Romana is a popular choice for a pizza base in Italy, but is relatively unknown in the United States.


What is the difference between Neapolitan and Romana pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is typically circular in shape and has a thin crust made from a soft dough that is slightly charred on the edges while Romana pizza is rectangular in shape and has a thin, crisp crust. Traditional Neapolitan pizza is cooked at very high temperatures (up to 900°F) in a wood-fired oven, while Romana pizza is cooked at a lower temperature in an electric oven. Neapolitan pizza is usually topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, oregano, olives and garlic while Romana pizza often includes more unusual topping choices such as anchovies, grilled peppers, artichokes, capers, and pecorino.


What's the difference between classic and Romana pizza?

Classic pizza is typically defined as a thin, flat crust topped with tomato sauce, cheese and other traditional pizza toppings. Romana pizza is also thin-crust, but it is made with a higher protein flour and stretched into a larger, rectangular shape. It has a crispier texture than classic pizza and is usually topped with an olive oil base mixed with rosemary, garlic and oregano.


Types of Pizza romana

When one hears the term Pizza romana, it conjures up images of a warm, salty and delicious pie. But to fully appreciate the incredible variety of this Italian favorite, one must explore the many different types of pizza that exist in the region.

Pizza romana can be classified into two broad categories: neapolitan-style and roman-style. The neapolitan-style is generally characterized by its thick crust, use of fresh ingredients and tangy tomato sauce. It is typically topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, prosciutto or even cured fish or olives. This style of pizza is believed to have originated in Naples, Italy and is the basis for many popular pizzas around the world.

The roman-style of pizza romana has thinner crusts and is often lightly topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other ingredients such as anchovies, olives, capers, oregano, garlic, and basil. These toppings are usually not as abundant as on neapolitan-style pizzas, thus creating a much lighter, crisper and more savory pizza. This style of pizza is believed to have originated in Rome, hence its name.

In addition to these two styles, there are several regional variants of pizza romana which are equally delicious. For example, the Campania-style pizza is made with a thicker crust, more tomatoey sauce, and the addition of sausage and ham. The Abruzzo-style pizza utilizes a thin crust, a light tomato sauce, and is topped with tuna, sardines, and olives. And finally, the Lombardy-style pizza is characterized by its thin crust and abundant toppings, including salami, mushrooms and olives.

No matter which type of pizza romana you opt for, it’s sure to deliver a tantalizingly savory feast for your taste buds. The depth of flavor and variety of toppings make it an enjoyable dish for any pizza enthusiast. So why not give it a try today and discover the true beauty of this classic Italian treat?