Italian pizza has a special place in many people’s hearts, with its crisp, chewy crust, flavorful tomato sauce and delicious toppings. This article shares tips on making your own authentic Italian pizza at home, with a step-by-step guide to creating delicious pizza. The article also recommends some of the best pizza places in Italy, including Pizzeria Di Matteo, Pizzeria La Notizia, Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo and Pizzeria Starita in Naples, and Pizzarium in Rome. Whether you’re making pizza at home or visiting Italy, Italian pizza is a culinary masterpiece that is sure to delight.
The Art of Authentic Italian Pizza: Where to Find the Best in Italy
Introduction
Pizza might be one of the most universally loved foods in the world, but authentic Italian pizza has a special place in the hearts of many. With its crisp, chewy crust, flavorful tomato sauce, and delicious toppings, Italian pizza is a unique culinary experience. But where should you go to find the best Italian pizza? In this article, we’ll share some of our favorite pizza places in Italy, as well as tips on how to make your own authentic Italian pizza at home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Authentic Italian Pizza
If you can’t make it to Italy anytime soon, don’t worry! You can still experience the delicious flavors of Italian pizza by making your own at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own authentic Italian pizza:
Ingredients
The key to authentic Italian pizza is using high-quality ingredients, starting with the dough. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. bread flour
- 1 tsp. dry yeast
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth. Let it rise for 1-2 hours in a warm, draft-free place.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Stretch the dough out into a circular shape, about 12 inches in diameter, and place it on a pizza pan or stone.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge.
- Add the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Where to Find the Best Italian Pizza in Italy
While making your own pizza at home is delicious, nothing beats the experience of going to Italy and trying out some of the country’s best pizza places. Here are some of our recommendations:
1. Pizzeria Di Matteo, Naples
If you want to try pizza where it all began, head to Naples and visit Pizzeria Di Matteo. This humble pizzeria has been serving up some of the best pizza in town since 1950. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and come topped with simple, yet delicious ingredients like tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and basil.
2. Pizzeria La Notizia, Naples
Another great pizzeria to try in Naples is Pizzeria La Notizia. Chef Enzo Coccia is renowned for his passion for pizza and his commitment to using only the best ingredients. The menu changes daily depending on what’s fresh and in season, but you can expect some truly unique and delicious pizza combinations.
3. Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo, Naples
Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo is another Naples institution that’s definitely worth a visit. The pizzas here are cooked in a wood-fired oven and come with thick, chewy crusts and delicious toppings. Try the classic Margherita pizza, which is made with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil.
4. Pizzeria Starita, Naples
One more pizzeria to add to your Naples list is Pizzeria Starita. This popular spot has been around since 1901 and has been serving up some of the best Neapolitan pizza ever since. The dough is made with a special technique that involves hand-stretching, resulting in a crust that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
5. Pizzarium, Rome
If you’re in Rome and craving some pizza, head to Pizzarium. This cozy spot serves up a unique kind of pizza known as “pizza al taglio.” Instead of the typical round pizzas, pizza al taglio is rectangular and sliced into smaller pieces. The toppings are creative and adventurous, with everything from Gorgonzola cheese to zucchini blossoms.
Conclusion
Whether you’re making your own authentic Italian pizza at home or heading to Italy to try some of the best pizzerias in the country, there’s no denying that Italian pizza is a culinary masterpiece. With its delicious crust, flavorful sauce, and fresh toppings, Italian pizza is a true delight for the senses. So why not try making your own pizza at home, or plan a trip to Italy to taste some of the best pizza in the world? Buon appetito!