Hello friends of Paulina Cocina! We hope you're all doing well. This time, we want to share a fascinating story with you: The history of pizza , one of the most iconic dishes of Italian cuisine and a favorite in many parts of the world. In this article, we invite you to travel back in time and discover the origins of pizza , who invented it, where it was created, and what the first versions of this delicious delicacy were like. We'll also tell you which countries currently consume the most pizza.
A note to read down to the bone while enjoying a slice of your favorite pizza .
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About the history of pizza
In this community, we're pizza fans, and these days, there are countless recipes and ways to prepare it . Whether it's thin crust, wide crust, stuffed crust (like this stuffed fugazzeta pizza ), with few ingredients, loaded with toppings, with traditional flavors, with fruit, with cold cuts (like the Calabrian pizza ), with tons of mozzarella , without mozzarella, with tomato, without tomato, in a thousand shapes and sizes. We love you, pizza! Which is your favorite?
Here I leave you my selection of what are for me the 10 best pizzas in the world .
The origin of pizza
The history of pizza dates back to ancient times , in the beautiful region of Campania in southern Italy. Although pizza as we know it today didn't exist back then, its roots lie in the flatbreads baked in the homes of the ancient Romans.
What the first pizzas were like
The earliest pizzas were very different from the varieties we enjoy today. Originally, pizzas were flatbreads topped with herbs, olive oil, and cheese , more similar to what we know today as focaccia . However, the true origin of modern pizza is in the city of Naples .
It was only in the 18th century that the tomato , brought from America, was incorporated as a main ingredient and Neapolitan pizza was shaped as we know it today.
Who invented pizza
The question of who invented pizza has been a matter of debate for centuries. However, there is historical evidence that points to a possible originator: Naples . In the 17th century, the first pizzerias emerged in the city of Naples, where the first commercial versions of pizza were sold.
Neapolitan pizza was characterized by its thin crust topped with fresh, simple ingredients and was offered by street vendors who roamed the streets with portable ovens.
By now you'll have all the ingredients to make pizza . Here's my EASY pizza sauce that solves the sauce problem in 5 minutes.
The charm of Naples
The city of Naples, with its vibrant culture and passion for good food, is considered the birthplace of pizza . It was there that pizza began to take shape and became a symbol of identity for Neapolitans.
The wood-fired ovens on the streets of Naples gave off an irresistible aroma that attracted locals and visitors alike. Pizza quickly became a tradition rooted in Neapolitan culture, and its fame spread beyond Italy's borders.
The invention of the round pizza
The round pizza, as we know it today, was an innovation introduced by Neapolitan pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito in the 19th century. It is said that in 1889, in honor of the queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, he created a pizza in the colors of the Italian flag: green, like basil; white, like mozzarella; and red, like tomato.
This pizza, known as the “ Pizza Margherita ,” became an instant hit and laid the groundwork for the pizza we eat today.
The art of pizzaiolos as world heritage
Like Esposito, the art of Neapolitan pizzaiolos is much more than simply making a pizza; it's a cultural practice rooted in the region. Pizzaiolos have perfected techniques and knowledge passed down through generations, including dough preparation, ingredient handling, and wood-fired oven baking.
According to UNESCO's official website, the art of Neapolitan pizzaioli was registered on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity This recognition of the tradition and skill of Neapolitan pizzaioli in preparing Neapolitan pizza.
Pizza conquers the world
Over time, pizza began to spread beyond Italy's borders. The arrival of Italian immigrants to the United States in the 19th century brought pizza traditions, and the first pizzerias began to open in cities like New York and Chicago . As immigrants shared their recipes and techniques, pizza began to gain popularity and adapt to local tastes.
There are some places that stand out for their unconditional love for this delicacy. Italy, of course, remains one of the top destinations for enjoying authentic Neapolitan pizza. But other countries have also embraced this dish and adapted it to their own tastes and culinary traditions.
Pizza in America
In addition to the United States, as mentioned earlier, Argentina and Brazil also have a significant pizza tradition. In these places, pizzerias are a part of everyday life and can be found on every corner.
Today, pizza is one of the most consumed and recognized dishes in the world. Each region has its own unique pizza variant, with unique ingredients and styles. From traditional Neapolitan pizza , with its thin crust and fresh ingredients, to Chicago-style pizza , with its thick crust and layers of cheese and sauce. There's a pizza for every taste and preference.
Here are all my pizza recipes so you can make them now and never miss a chance! Bye.
