Pizzas are usually viewed as street food or junk food by many. But, for many (i.e. Italians), pizza is an important part of their food culture. Wherever the pizza was introduced by the immigrants, it changed and adapted itself to fit in that particular culture. While the list below is far from complete, it is a saucy start to the many transformations the humble pizza has gone through that people across the world love.
Neapolitan- The OG Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is the original way and I’m not just saying it. This pizza has been given UNESCO status. It is the simplest, softest, and lightest of all pizzas. It is usually baked in a wood-fired oven for just two minutes for a soft yet charred pie and is topped with tomatoes, basil leaves, oregano, and mozzarella cheese.
New York-style - large slices for a larger-than-life city
Usually served per slice, this style of pizza is larger and chewier. It is baked similarly to a Neapolitan pizza in the brick oven, but it is cooked longer and made drier. Mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce are the traditional toppings that are added while cooking, but you can go a step ahead with pepperoni anchovies, garlic powder, oregano, etc. People usually eat it folded and on the go since it is easier to consume such a large slice this way.
Sicilian- a relative of Neapolitan
You must be thinking that Sicilian and Neapolitan pizzas are similar since they originate from Italy. But, they have their own distinct features since Sicily is an island off the coast from main Italy. For starters, Sicilian pizza’s base is actually focaccia and hence, comes in square shape. It has a light and fluffy bread-like base with a crunchy crust, and robust tomato sauce. Traditionally it is topped with anchovies, onions, tomato, garlic, and herbs.
Chicago pizza- the deepest crust
Commonly known as Deep-dish pizza, Chicago pizza has been named after the city it was invented in. Believe it or not, this sort of the opposite of the thin, Neapolitan pizza, was created by an Italian immigrant. It is baked in a pan, which gives it a high crust and the ingredients are lined in reverse- mozzarella cheese, meat or vegetables and tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes on top.
Greek-style - something unique
Greek pizza was created by the Greek immigrants when they came to the USA and came to know about Italian pizza. This kind of pizza has a thick, chewy, and airy crust. The dough is not stretched, instead, it is proofed and baked in shallow pans with a lining of oil. Traditional toppings include a tangy, thick tomato sauce with oregano; cheese such as feta, provolone, cheddar; black olives; onions.
These were some of my favourite kinds of pizzas, but there are a lot more to explore and add them to your list of favourites!
