The History of Pizza & Italian Pizza Recipe

The history of pizza is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and involves cultural exchanges, innovations, and the evolution of a beloved global dish. Here's a brief overview:

Ancient Origins:

• The concept of flatbreads with toppings has ancient roots. In places like Persia, Greece, and Egypt, people would bake flatbreads and add various toppings, such as herbs, oils, and other ingredients.

Italy and the Birth of Pizza:

• The modern pizza, as we know it, has its origins in Naples, Italy. By the 18th century, the city had established itself as a thriving port with a diverse population. The poor in Naples would add tomatoes to their flatbreads, creating a simple dish that combined flatbread and tomatoes.

The Margherita Pizza:

• In 1889, the Margherita pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy. This pizza featured tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. This pizza is often considered the precursor to the modern Margherita pizza.

Pizza Spreads Beyond Italy:

• Italian immigrants brought pizza to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first pizzeria in the U.S., Lombardi's, opened in New York City in 1905.

Post-World War II Boom:

• After World War II, pizza gained popularity in the United States. Returning soldiers who had developed a taste for pizza in Italy helped to fuel its growth. Pizza became a mainstream dish and started to evolve with various regional styles.

Frozen Pizza and Chains:

• In the mid-20th century, the advent of frozen pizza made it accessible to a wider audience. Pizza chains like Domino's and Pizza Hut were established, further contributing to the dish's popularity.

Global Phenomenon:

• In the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century, pizza became a global phenomenon. It has evolved to include countless variations and styles worldwide, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.

Innovations and Trends:

• The pizza industry continues to innovate with new crusts, toppings, and styles. Creative and gourmet pizzas have gained popularity, and there is a growing interest in artisanal and traditional methods of pizza-making.

Today, pizza is enjoyed in various forms and styles across the globe, from traditional Neapolitan and New York styles to unique regional variations and international fusion creations. It remains a beloved and versatile dish with a rich and diverse history.

Traditional Italian Margherita Pizza Recipe:

Ingredients:
For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup San Marzano tomato sauce (or your favorite pizza sauce)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:
For the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, typically around 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
2. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape and thickness.
3. If you have a pizza peel, transfer the rolled-out dough onto it. Otherwise, use a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
4. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Add slices of fresh mozzarella on top.
5. Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment paper if using a baking sheet) to the preheated oven or onto the pizza stone. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!

Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, but this recipe provides the foundation for a classic and delicious Italian pizza.

I recommend you to watch some of delicious pizza recipes that I share below;

Homemade Pizza Recipe;

Making Pizza at Home;

NEAPOLITAN PIZZA DOUGH;

Pizza 101 via Tasty channel;

New York-Style Pizza;

References;

1. "144843". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
2. Maiden, Martin. "Linguistic Wonders Series: Pizza is a German(ic) Word". yourDictionary.com. Archived from the original on 2003-01-15.
3. Arthur Schwartz, Naples at Table: Cooking in Campania (1998), p. 68. ISBN 9780060182618.
4. John Dickie, Delizia!: The Epic History of the Italians and Their Food (2008), p. 186.
5. Father Giuseppe Orsini, Joseph E. Orsini, Italian Baking Secrets (2007), p. 99.
6. "Pizza Margherita: History and Recipe". ITALY Magazine. 14 March 2011. Archived from the original on 7 February 2013. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
7. "Naples' pizza twirling wins Unesco 'intangible' status". The Guardian. London. Agence France-Presse. 2017-12-07. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 2017-12-07. Retrieved 2017-12-07.

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