What is Neapolitan Pizza?
Real Neapolitan Pizza: Pizza Napoletana (Neapolitan Pizza)
Pizza Napoletana is one of the most iconic flavors of Italian cuisine worldwide. It is prepared with a simple yet ingenious recipe. Traditional Neapolitan pizza is made with just a few essential ingredients, and there are two classic types: Pizza Marinara and pizza margarita. These two classic pizzas are known as Neapolitan Pizza.
Pizza Marinara: Simple and Timeless Flavor
Pizza Marinara is known as the oldest pizza in Naples. The thin dough is topped with a sauce made with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and San Marzano tomatoes, a specialty of Naples. The naturalness and flavor of the ingredients make this pizza simple yet impressive.
Pizza Margherita Reflection of the Italian Flag on the Plate
Created in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito, a master pizzaiolo from Naples, Pizza Margherita is dedicated to Queen Margherita di Savoia of Italy. Red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil leaves represent the colors of the Italian flag. Today, this pizza is one of the most recognized types worldwide.
The Dough of Neapolitan Pizza: The Secret of Mastery
The dough for real Neapolitan pizza is made with specially milled 00 flour, water, salt, and yeast. It must rest for at least 8 hours. When baked, it is characterized by its thin base and puffy, slightly charred ‘leopard-patterned’ appearance. This unique consistency and flavor are achieved by baking in a wood-fired stone oven between 400-485°C.
Traditional and Certified Flavor
In 2010, the European Union registered Neapolitan pizza with the status of Traditional Specialty Guarantee (TSG). In addition, many pizzerias in Naples are produced according to the standards set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (Association for Real Neapolitan Pizza).
Why is Neapolitan pizza so special?
San Marzano Tomatoes: Special tomatoes grown in the volcanic soil of the Naples region.
Mozzarella di Bufala: Richly flavored cheese made from water buffalo.
Wood Fire Oven: Cooking at high temperatures in traditional stone ovens.
Simplicity: Using quality and few ingredients, not too many.
For a true Neapolitan pizza experience, stick to the traditional recipe. It doesn’t need much decoration or additional ingredients; it leaves a mark on the palate with its simple yet perfect harmony.
Where is the best place to eat Neapolitan pizza?
Below, we have listed the five best pizzerias for Neapolitan pizza. Of course, all five are in Naples, Italy. Bon appetit in advance to those who go and eat.
- L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Naples, Italy)
- Gino e Toto Sorbillo (Naples, Italy)
- Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria Di Matteo (Naples, Italy)
- 50 Kalò (Naples, Italy)
- Pizzeria e Friggitoria Dal Presidente (Naples, Italy)
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