Everything you need to know about Pizza | Types | 10 Amazing Facts
Pizza is a dish of Italian origin consisting of a flat, round base of dough topped with tomatoes, cheese, and various other ingredients. The first pizza was made in the 18th century by a man named Raffaele Esposito. The modern pizza was invented in Naples, Italy, and the dish and its variants have since become popular in many countries around the world.
History of Pizza
Pizza has a long and interesting history. The first known pizza recipe dates back to the 16th century. This recipe included flatbread, cheese, spices, and garlic. It was known as the “pizza bianca” and was popular among peasants. In the late 18th century, the Margherita pizza was invented in Naples, Italy, and featured tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. This combination of ingredients is still popular today.
By the late 19th century, pizza began to be sold in American cities such as New York City and Chicago. Pizza really began to take off in popularity in the United States in the 1950s, when restaurants began to offer delivery services. Pizza has since become one of the most popular foods in the world, with countless variations and toppings available. It is said that the first pizza was created by a man named Raffaele Esposito and was made and served to the Italian King Umberto I and Queen Margherita in 1889. It was made with ingredients such as tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil, which are now seen as the classic Italian flavours and the colours of the Italian flag.
Pizza has since become a worldwide phenomenon and is now enjoyed in many different forms and with a variety of different toppings. The classic Italian pizza is still the most popular form of pizza, however, and continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Pizza dough is typically made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is then kneaded and left to rise for a period of time before being shaped and rolled out. Once the dough is flattened, it is then topped with a tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings of choice. The pizza is then baked in a hot oven until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to make pizza sauce?
Pizza sauce is typically made from tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil. The sauce is then simmered until it is thick and flavorful. There are many recipes for pizza sauce, but a simple one is to sautee garlic in olive oil, then add canned crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Types of pizza:
- Neapolitan: This is the classic Italian style of pizza with a thin and crispy crust, topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- New York-Style: This is a thin-crust pizza with a slightly chewy texture. It is usually topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Chicago-Style: This style of pizza is characterized by its deep-dish crust and thick layer of toppings.
- Sicilian: This style of pizza is similar to the Neapolitan, but the crust is thicker and denser.
- California-Style: This is a type of pizza that is characterized by its thin and crispy crust, topped with fresh and unique ingredients.
- Stuffed Crust: This type of pizza is characterized by its thick crust filled with cheese.
Facts about pizza:
- Pizza is one of the most popular dishes in the world.
- Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy in the late 1800s.
- The first pizza was made in the 18th century by a man named Raffaele Esposito.
- Pepperoni is the most popular pizza topping in the United States.
- The average American eats around 23 pounds of pizza every year.
- Pizza is the third most craved food in the world, after chocolate and ice cream.
- The world’s largest pizza was made in Rome and measured 131 feet in diameter.
- Pizza is the most photographed food on Instagram.
- The most expensive pizza ever sold was a $12,000 pizza topped with caviar and lobster.
- The world record for the most pizza slices eaten in one minute is 9 slices.
Whether you like it thin and crispy or thick and cheesy, there are countless ways to enjoy a slice of pizza. From classic Neapolitan to creative California-style, pizza is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please any palate!