The article is a comprehensive guide to making authentic Italian pizza in Naples. It begins with the history of pizza in Naples and the key ingredients needed to make an authentic Neapolitan pizza. The article then takes the reader through the process of making the dough, adding the sauce and toppings, and finally cooking the pizza. The article also recommends some of the best pizzerias to try in Naples, such as Pizzeria Da Michele and Sorbillo. The article concludes by stating that making an authentic Neapolitan pizza is not difficult with the right ingredients and a little patience.
The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Italian Pizza in Naples
Introduction
If you are looking for the ultimate guide to authentic Italian pizza in Naples, this is the article for you! Naples is known as the birthplace of pizza, and it is a city that takes its pizza seriously. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to make an authentic Neapolitan pizza, as well as recommend some of the best pizzerias to try in Naples.
The History of Pizza in Naples
Pizza has been a staple food in Naples for centuries. In fact, the first recorded pizzeria in the world, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, opened in Naples in 1830. Neapolitan pizza is unique in that it has a thin, crispy crust and is cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures.
The Ingredients
Making an authentic Neapolitan pizza starts with the ingredients. The key ingredients are as follows:
- Flour – the flour used should be 00 flour, which is finely ground and low in gluten.
- Water – the water used should be pure and at room temperature.
- Salt – use fine sea salt, which will dissolve easily in the dough.
- Yeast – use fresh yeast or active dry yeast.
- Tomato sauce – use San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the volcanic soil around Naples and have a sweet flavor.
- Mozzarella – use fresh buffalo mozzarella, which is creamy and flavorful.
- Other toppings – use fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as prosciutto, mushrooms, or basil.
The Dough
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s make the dough.
- Combine the flour, water, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Mix with your hands until the dough comes together into a ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise for at least 2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 4-6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- On a floured surface, stretch the dough out into a thin round shape, leaving a thicker border around the edge.
The Sauce and Toppings
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to add the sauce and toppings.
- Spoon a few tablespoons of tomato sauce onto the center of the pizza and spread it outwards, leaving the border untouched.
- Tear the buffalo mozzarella into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce.
- Add any additional toppings, such as prosciutto or mushrooms.
The Cooking
Finally, it’s time to cook the pizza.
- Heat your oven to the highest temperature possible, and place your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil.
The Best Pizzerias in Naples
Of course, if you’re in Naples, you’ll want to try some of the best pizzerias in the city. Here are some recommendations:
- Pizzeria Da Michele – this is the most famous pizzeria in Naples, and for good reason. They only serve two types of pizza – margherita and marinara – but they do it perfectly.
- Sorbillo – another popular choice in Naples, Sorbillo offers a wide variety of toppings on their delicious pizzas.
- Pizzeria Starita – this pizzeria has been around since 1901 and is known for their fluffy, flavorful crusts.
- Pizzeria Di Matteo – located in the heart of Naples, this pizzeria is a favorite of locals and tourists alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making an authentic Neapolitan pizza is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can create a delicious pizza at home. However, if you’re in Naples, be sure to try out some of the city’s best pizzerias for the ultimate pizza experience. Buon appetito!