Pizza is one of the most beloved foods all over the world. Who doesn’t love it?! This marvelous meal, started in Italy, and through emigration and cultural exchange, this social feast has expanded across the globe — with their own variations; it continuously remains an enjoyment meal for children and adults alike. But first, we’ll give a brief history about Pizza, then we will get into making a fantastic Pizza Dough Recipe.
Pizza History
The history of pizza dates back to ancient times, with its origins in the Mediterranean region. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans are known to have enjoyed a simple flatbread topped with herbs, oil, and cheese. However, it was in Naples, Italy, where the modern pizza as we know it today was born. In the 18th century, the humble flatbread was topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and other ingredients that we now commonly associate with pizza.
How The World Learned About Pizza
As Italian immigrants spread across the globe, they brought their beloved pizza with them, adapting it to local tastes and ingredients. In the United States, for example, the classic Neapolitan pizza evolved into the iconic New York-style pizza, known for its thin crust and wide range of toppings. In Chicago, the deep-dish pizza became a local specialty, featuring a thick crust and layers of cheese, meat, and tomato sauce.
World Variations of Pizza
Today, pizza has become a global phenomenon, with each country putting its own unique twist on this classic dish. In Japan, for instance, seafood and seaweed are popular toppings, reflecting the country’s culinary traditions. In India, where many people follow a vegetarian diet, pizzas are often topped with a variety of vegetables and paneer cheese. In Australia, it’s not uncommon to find pizzas topped with kangaroo meat or emu sausage, showcasing the country’s native ingredients.
Dietary Changes
When it comes to dietary needs, the pizza industry has been quick to adapt. With the rise of gluten-free and plant-based diets due to the increase of celiac disease diagnosis’s and veganism, many pizzerias now offer gluten-free crusts and dairy-free cheese options. Additionally, there has been a surge in vegetable-based crusts made from cauliflower (extremely popular commercially), zucchini, or sweet potatoes, providing healthier alternatives for those looking to cut back on carbs. Pizza is one of those forgiven foods, where experimenting is a given, fun and personal. Pineapple is still a popular topping for a pizza.
Popular Toppings
As for toppings, the possibilities are endless. From classic pepperoni and mushrooms to more adventurous choices like figs and prosciutto or barbecue chicken to the odd aforementioned pineapple, there’s a pizza topping to suit every palate. And let’s not forget about dessert pizzas, which can be topped with Nutella, fruits, shredded coconut or even marshmallows for a sweet treat. But many just stick with the classic cheese.
Pizza Crust
Now that you have a basic understanding of what Pizza is, if you were one-in-three billionth person to not know, here’s how we make an amazing homemade pizza. Special tools are not required for this. A pizza stone is great, but also not required. A baking tray works very well.
(Seasoned) Pizza Dough
Equipment
- glass bowl
- spatula
Ingredients
- 1¼ tsp. active dry yeast instant yeast works too
- â…” cup warm water
- 250 g bread flour more for kneading
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. basil (chopped) optional
- 1 tsp. black pepper (fine) optional
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder optional
Instructions
- In a measuring cup, add the warm water (110-115℉), and sugar. Mix together before adding your active yeast, and mix again. Let sit for 5 minutes. If you're using instant yeast, add it to the next step.
- In a mixing bowl, add the flour, instant yeast, salt and optional seasoning to together.
- When your yeast has been activated in the water, add it to your flour mix, along with your olive oil. Need for 5-10 minutes. The mixture will be sticky somewhat. Grease bowl with more olive oil, and let sit for at 1 hour, or until it rises and doubles in size. NOTE: Cold climate will slow this process.
- Preheat oven to 450 ℉.
- When the dough has risen remove from bowl, and place on counter. Lightly add more flour, and knead until not sticky, but still moist and pliable. This results in a great crust.
- Using your hands, slowly press the dough flat, and out. A rolling pin will be needed, but the dough should roll easily. If not, cover and let sit for 5 minutes for the gluten to strengthen.
- Roll the dough to your desired shape, approximately ½-inch thick. Place on a hard, surface to bake, lined with parchment or toss cornmeal of preferred. Then add your sauce and toppings.
- Cook for 25 minutes or until cheese is thoroughly melted, and crust browned.
- Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Now We Customize The Pizza Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza, great! However, why not make your next homemade pizza dough special with making your own pizza sauce; tailor-made to your own taste. Our homemade Perfect Pizza Sauce is divine, and compliments the crust extremely well.
Preparing a Pizza
One thing to note about making pizza besides quality ingredients is to proportion you ingredients evenly. So spreading pizza sauce evenly, to your cheese, and finally your toppings, if any. Cooking times will vary on added ingredients to your pizza. Certain ingredients are best placed on the pizza within the last 10 minutes of cooking, while others should be added after the pizza is done to prevent burning or charring. Maybe that’s your preference, but always think about the outcome that you are seeking. Many vegetables seems best to add at the last moment.
Pizza has come a long way from its humble beginnings in Naples. Its global popularity and adaptability make it a truly universal dish that brings people together across cultures and continents. Whether you prefer a traditional Margherita or an unconventional fusion creation from different cultures, there’s no denying the irresistible allure of a hot, cheesy slice of pizza. But, pizza always starts with the dough. Quality ingredients enhances any pizza. So next time (hopefully soon) you indulge in a slice, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and cultural impact of this beloved culinary creation. What’s the next pizza?
