Carletti, has won the coveted prize for ‘pizza with a rolling pin’ category at the World Pizza Championship. Carletti, who was already the Italian Pizza Champion in 2021, amazed the judges with his ‘Stracciata e puntarelle’ pizza. The dish was made with San Marzano dop, stracciatella, Roman chicory, anchovies from Acetara and Taggiasca olives, with sweet and sour drop pepper. It was sprinkled with extra virgin olive oil. This mix of ingredients was highly appreciated for its originality and harmony of flavors.
Pizza is a dish that has been around for centuries and is enjoyed globally
However, the Italians are credited with inventing the much-loved dish. It was first made by topping flatbread with tasty ingredients by the ancient Greeks. The term ‘pizza’ was coined near Rome or Naples, and by the 18th century, it had become a cost-effective way of feeding the peasantry. The introduction of tomatoes from the New World made its way onto the traditional flatbread and eventually gave us the dough base we know and love today.
Pizza’s popularity continued to grow, especially after Queen Margherita and King Umberto I fell in love with the dish during their tour of the kingdom
The queen’s personal chef created a series of versions that saluted the colors of the Italian flag, with the winning recipe named after the monarch, giving us the Margherita pizza we know today.
The popularity of pizza continued to spread after World War II, when allied soldiers stationed in Italy demanded the recreation of the dish back home. This gave rise to the countless pizzerias and italian chains that are around the world today.
When it comes to authentic Italian pizza, the True Neapolitan Pizza Association (TNPA) upholds the standards of true Neapolitan pizza
Only the Margherita and Marinara are regarded as authentic Italian. There are very strict rules for the use of either of these names on Italian soil. This dish must be round and no more than 13 and three-quarter inches in diameter. It must have a center of less than one-tenth of an inch tall, and a crust of three-quarters of an inch thick or less. The dough must be kneaded by hand and prepared from traditional types of flour, yeast, salt, and tomatoes.
It is also affordable, making it popular and accessible to everyone. Pizza is a social food in Italy and is strongly associated with eating and sharing with the others. Pizza is suitable for meals out with family and friends, but also for more informal work gatherings.
Differences between Italy and America
In the US, pizza is often seen as a fast food, and it is available in many different varieties, including Chicago-style deep dish, New York-style thin crust, and many more. In America is often eaten at home and is delivered or picked up from pizzerias. It is not just a food but is also a cultural icon in America, appearing in films, TV shows, and many other aspects of popular culture.
Learn more about italian dishes.
Jasper Karabell
