Pizza, a universal symbol of Italian cuisine, traces its roots to Naples in the 18th century. However, it wasn't until 1889 that the Margherita pizza, as we know it today, came into being. Legend has it that the pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito prepared a special pizza in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy (we hava also had a Queen Margareth in Italy!), topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag. The queen was so impressed with this creation that Esposito decided to name it after her: Pizza Margherita.

Today, pizza is one of the most beloved and widespread dishes in the world, recognized for its simplicity and versatility. In Italy, it represents much more than just a dish: it's a moment of conviviality, a connection to tradition, and an expression of cultural pride.

Neapolitan Pizza: A Standard of Excellence

Neapolitan pizza is famous for its soft dough and high, well-risen crust. It follows a strict set of guidelines established by the "Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana" (AVPN), which defines the precise rules for dough preparation, ingredient selection, and cooking methods. The recipe below faithfully follows these guidelines, ensuring an authentic and delicious result.

Neapolitan Pizza Dough Recipe

• Ingredients (for 4 pizzas, 30-32 cm in diameter):

  • 1 liter of water
  • 1.6-1.8 kg of "00" flour (preferably Italian)
  • 50 g of sea salt
  • 3 g of fresh brewer's yeast (or 1 g of dry yeast)
  • 50 g of extra virgin olive oil (optional)

• Procedure:

  1. Dissolve the yeast in room temperature water.
  2. Gradually add the flour and knead until the dough is smooth and homogeneous.
  3. Add the salt and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Let the dough rest for 2 hours, covered with a damp cloth, then shape it into approximately 250 g balls.
  5. Let the dough balls rise for 6-8 hours at room temperature.

Baking in a Home Oven

While the ideal baking process for Neapolitan pizza requires a wood-fired oven reaching 485°C, excellent results can still be achieved in a home oven. Here's how:

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to its highest temperature, typically between 270°C and 300°C (520°F and 570°F).
2. Use a baking stone or steel: Place the stone or steel in the oven during preheating to get it very hot.
3. Prepare the pizza: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, add toppings, and transfer the pizza onto the hot stone or steel.
4. Quick bake: Bake the pizza for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is well-risen and golden, and the mozzarella is melted.

The Importance of High-Quality Ingredients

For an authentic Neapolitan pizza, the quality of the ingredients is crucial. Using high-quality "00" flour ensures a soft and elastic dough. The mozzarella, whether it's buffalo or fior di latte, must be fresh and of high quality to melt well without releasing too much water. San Marzano DOP tomatoes, with their sweet and rich flavor, are essential for the sauce, while Italian extra virgin olive oil adds depth of flavor.

Personalizing with Olive Oil condiments and Parmesan

To personalize the flavor of your pizza and add a finishing touch, you can use spiced oils such as truffle oil, chili oil, or basil oil, and shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano. These personalizations enhance the flavors and make your pizza even more special.

Recipes for Various Types of Pizza

1. Margherita Pizza:

   • Ingredients:
     • San Marzano DOP tomatoes
     • Buffalo Mozzarella DOP or Fior di Latte
     • Fresh basil leaves
     • extra virgin olive oil

2. Marinara Pizza:

   • Ingredients:
     • San Marzano DOP tomatoes
     • Garlic
     • Oregano
     • Fresh basil leaves
     • extra virgin olive oil

3. Diavola Pizza:

   • Ingredients:
     • San Marzano DOP tomatoes
     • Fior di Latte Mozzarella
     • Spicy salami
     • extra virgin olive oil

4. Capricciosa Pizza:

   • Ingredients:
     • San Marzano DOP tomatoes
     • Fior di Latte Mozzarella
     • Cooked ham
     • Artichokes
     • Mushrooms
     • Black olives
     • Fresh basil leaves
     • extra virgin olive oil

5. Prosciutto and Mushroom Pizza:

   • Ingredients:
     • San Marzano DOP tomatoes
     • Fior di Latte Mozzarella
     • Cooked ham
     • Mushrooms
     • Fresh basil leaves
     • extra virgin olive oil

6. Four Cheese Pizza:

   • Ingredients:
     • Fior di Latte Mozzarella
     • Gorgonzola
     • Parmigiano Reggiano
     • Smoked Provola
     • extra virgin olive oil

7. Tuna and Onion Pizza:

   • Ingredients:
     • San Marzano DOP tomatoes
     • Fior di Latte Mozzarella
     • High-quality tuna in olive oil
     • Thinly sliced red onion
     • Fresh basil leaves
     • extra virgin olive oil

Buon appetito!