What Is Neapolitan Pizza? | Everything You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered why neapolitan pizza is so popular? Perhaps it’s the combination of flavorful tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil that have everyone raving about this classic Italian cuisine. Or maybe it’s the thin and crispy texture that melts in your mouth – no matter which topping you choose! Whatever the reason may be, one thing’s for sure: Neapolitan pizza is a favorite among many foodies all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore what is neapolitan pizza – from its traditional ingredients to how it’s cooked – so that you can get a taste of this heavenly treat without having to fly to Italy.

What Is Neapolitan Pizza?

Neapolitan pizza, or “pizza napoletana” in Italian, is a type of pizza that originated from Naples, Italy. It is typically made with simple and fresh ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. The dough for neapolitan pizza is also unique as it is made using flour, which is a finely ground Italian flour that results in a light and fluffy crust. The pizza is then cooked at very high temperatures in a wood-fired oven, giving it its signature charred bubbles and crispy edges. After knowing the answer to the question what is neapolitan pizza. For more relevant and useful information, please refer to this new information.

History Of Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Naples, Italy. It was created by Raffaele Esposito in 1889 and named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. This classic pizza is topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, reflecting the colors of the Italian flag – red, white, and green. Neapolitan pizza has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, and its popularity continues to grow worldwide.

What’s Special About Neapolitan Pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is a style of pizza prepared using simple and fresh ingredients, including a basic dough, raw tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. It is characterized by the absence of fancy toppings and typically features a higher amount of sauce than cheese. The fresh ingredients combined with the high cooking temperatures give neapolitan pizza its distinctive flavor and texture, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

The Taste And Texture Of Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza is a traditional Italian pizza that boasts a soft, elastic, and fragrant crust with charred spots. It also has a balanced ratio of sauce to cheese, incorporating fresh ingredients that elevate its flavor. The irregular shape of Neapolitan pizza showcases its handmade nature. The combination of these elements results in a pizza that is both light and hearty, with a unique taste and texture that sets it apart from other styles of pizza.

Benefits When Eating Neapolitan Pizza

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Aside from its delicious taste and unique texture, neapolitan pizza also offers numerous health benefits. The use of fresh and simple ingredients, such as tomatoes, basil, and olive oil, make it a nutritious meal option. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant that helps fight against free radicals in the body. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that are essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Basil, on the other hand, is a herb known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Eating neapolitan pizza not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides your body with essential nutrients.

Ingredients Of Neapolitan Pizza

The key ingredients of neapolitan pizza include San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil, and tipo 00 flour. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect neapolitan pizza.

1. San Marzano Tomatoes: These tomatoes are grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius and are known for their rich flavor and low acidity. They are the preferred tomato for neapolitan pizza sauce due to their firm flesh and intense taste.
2. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: This type of cheese is made using cow’s milk and has a soft, creamy texture that melts perfectly when cooked. It is used in abundance on neapolitan pizzas, providing a delicate and tangy flavor to the pie.
3. Fresh Basil: Basil is an herb that adds a perfect touch of freshness and aroma to neapolitan pizza. It is typically sprinkled on top of the cooked pizza, bringing out its vibrant green color and adding a subtle peppery taste.
4. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This type of oil is extracted from olives through a cold-pressing process, which helps retain its nutritional properties. It is used to drizzle over neapolitan pizza before and after cooking, adding a rich and fruity flavor to the dish.
5. Tipo 00 Flour: This type of flour is made from soft wheat and has a finely ground texture, resulting in a light and airy dough. It is the preferred flour for neapolitan pizza as it helps create a chewy yet crispy crust.

How To Make The Best Neapolitan Pizza?

To make the best neapolitan pizza, you will need to follow a few key steps:

1. Start with quality ingredients: As mentioned earlier, neapolitan pizza relies on simple and fresh ingredients for its authentic taste. So be sure to use San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, olive oil, and tipo 00 flour.
2. Prepare the dough: The dough for neapolitan pizza should be made at least 24 hours in advance to allow enough time for it to rise. Combine the flour, water, salt, and yeast in a bowl and knead until a soft and elastic dough forms.
3. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a well-oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 24 hours.
4. Shape the dough: After 24 hours, take out the dough and divide it into equal portions. Gently stretch each portion by hand, using your fingers to create the characteristic crust of neapolitan pizza.
5. Add toppings: Spread a thin layer of San Marzano tomato sauce on top of the dough, leaving some space at the edges. Add fresh mozzarella cheese and basil leaves on top.
6. Bake in a wood-fired oven: The key to achieving the perfect neapolitan pizza is cooking it at high temperatures (around 900°F) in a wood-fired oven for about 60-90 seconds. This will create a delicate yet crispy crust with charred spots and perfectly melted cheese.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil before slicing and serving.

What Toppings Can I Put On Neapolitan Pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is a traditional style of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is typically made with simple ingredients such as fresh mozzarella cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. The pizza is cooked quickly at a high temperature, resulting in a thin, soft, and slightly charred crust. However, there are a few toppings that can be added to neapolitan pizza without compromising its authenticity and taste. Some popular toppings include:

• Prosciutto: Thinly sliced Italian cured ham adds a salty and savory flavor to the pizza.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy and meaty texture to the pizza.
• Olives: These add a briny and tangy flavor to the pizza.
• Artichokes: Marinated artichokes provide a slightly sweet and sour taste to the pizza.
• Anchovies: These small, salty fish are often used as a topping on neapolitan pizza.
• Sausage: Cooked Italian sausage adds a spicy kick to the pizza.

Tips For Making Neapolitan Pizza Perfectly

To make neapolitan pizza perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use high-quality ingredients: As mentioned earlier, the key to a delicious neapolitan pizza is using fresh and simple ingredients.
• Let the dough rest: Allowing the dough to rise for at least 24 hours will create a light and airy crust with a delicate flavor.
• Stretch the dough by hand: Stretching the dough with your hands rather than using a rolling pin will create a chewy and uneven crust, adding to the authenticity of neapolitan pizza.
• Cook in a wood-fired oven: Cooking the pizza at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven will give it that characteristic charred flavor and crispy texture. If a wood-fired oven is not available, using a pizza stone in a conventional oven can also yield good results.
• Don’t overload with toppings: Neapolitan pizza is all about simplicity. So avoid overloading it with too many toppings, as it will weigh down the dough and result in a soggy crust.
• Drizzle with olive oil: Don’t forget to drizzle the cooked pizza with some extra-virgin olive oil before serving. This will add a fruity and rich flavor to the dish.

How To Serve And Enjoy Your Homemade Neapolitan Pizza?

Once your homemade neapolitan pizza is ready, you can serve and enjoy it in a few different ways:

• Traditional way: In Naples, where neapolitan pizza originated, it is usually served uncut and eaten with a fork and knife. This allows the toppings to stay intact on top of the soft crust.
• Folded slices: In other parts of Italy, neapolitan pizza is often served as a folded slice, similar to a calzone. This makes it easier to eat on the go.
• Cut into slices: In many other countries, including the United States, neapolitan pizza is commonly cut into slices and eaten by hand. You can choose to cut it into small triangles or larger slices according to your preference.
• With a side of toppings: Some people like to top their neapolitan pizza with additional ingredients such as red pepper flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or balsamic glaze. You can serve these on the side for people to add as desired.

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FAQ: Neapolitan pizza

Is Margherita pizza Neapolitan style?

Neapolitan pizza refers to an authentic, traditional style of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. Typically, Neapolitan pizza is made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. It is often known as Pizza Margherita in English.

Is Neapolitan pizza supposed to be doughy?

Neapolitan pizza is characterized by a thin base crust that puffs up around the sides, resulting in an airy texture. Despite its large size, the crust remains light, allowing certain areas to char quickly. It is crucial to avoid overcooking and burning this type of crust.

How long should Neapolitan pizza dough proof?

Neapolitan pizza, a traditional Italian dish, is a type of pizza that originated in Naples. It is known for its thin, soft crust and simple toppings, typically including fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. To prepare the dough for Neapolitan pizza, cover the bowl and let it rise at room temperature overnight, for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.

What temperature is Neapolitan pizza cooked at?

To achieve the masterful Neapolitan crust, Neapolitan pizza requires temperatures of 800-1000 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas conventional kitchen ovens typically reach a maximum of 550 degrees.

Can you over knead Neapolitan pizza dough?

Over-kneading your dough will result in a finer, crumb-like texture, thus yielding a bready consistency instead of a light and airy Neapolitan pizza crust.