Share
Pizza is that one gourmet pie delight that has transcended borders and introduced itself to countless cuisines worldwide. Pizza is always the first thing that comes to mind whenever there's a special occasion.
This doughy delight adorned by various toppings and layers of mozzarella has been around for approximately 2000 years, yet its timeless allure keeps it fresh off the boat. For ages, the recipe has been recreated countless times until 1889, when its modern archetype came to light. Since then, the recipe has been adopted by various countries and altered with regional ingredients to formulate some of the amazing ingredient pairings that are known today.
On National Pizza Pie Day, explore how these eight iconic pizza variations have transformed the gastronomic scene of cuisines globally. From the classic Italian Pizza to the modern New York Pizza, these recipes differ not only in toppings but also in the crust, sauces, and preparation methods.
Explore These 8 Pizza Variations From Around The World
1. Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan Pizza holds a special place in Italian culinary heritage and is known for its iconic thin crust. This pizza has gained international acclaim and has been a symbol of Italian authenticity. Typically made with tomato and mozzarella cheese with a wheat flour dough, its crispy and tender characteristic is what defines its authenticity.
Image Credit: Flickr
2. Indian Pizza
In the land of culture and tradition, Pizza Pie has been ingrained in the cuisine so artistically that every bite of it reflects the delightful fusion of two countries. Spread with spiced sauce and topped with scrumptious toppings like paneer, butter chicken, and regional vegetables, Indian Pizza is dubbed as the best pizza by several chefs.
3. Norwegian Pizza
Dubbed as Norway’s new National dish, Norway celebrates this oven-baked treat like no other. Featuring unique toppings like smoked salmon, capers, and creamy white sauce, Norwegian pizza creates a delectable combination of Nordic flavours on the crispy crust. This unconventional take on pizza has been cherished in Norwegian cuisine and portrays the country’s love for the Italian delicacy.
Image Credit: Flickr
4. Deep-Dish Pizza
More like a savoury pie, this pizza variation is a counterpart to New York-style pizza and features a deep dish like bread which is filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. Invented by Pizzeria Uno in 1943, the pizza soon became renowned as Chicago-style pizza and gave the city a new identity.
5. Spanish Pizza
This tapas-inspired pizza variation is made with Mediterranean ingredients and a variety of toppings, such as cured meats like chorizo or serrano ham, vegetables, and regional cheeses. With different cheeses like Manchego, Tetilla, or Cabrales, this pizza has a distinct taste with a slightly thick crust. The local ingredients and unique shape differentiate it from other pizza variants and make it a delightful twist on the dish.
6. German Pizza
Flammekueche, or German Pizza, hails from the southwest region, particularly Alsace and Baden-Württemberg. Flammkuchen translates to "flame cake." Originally used by bakers to measure the temperature of the oven, this dish soon became a hit and made with numerous toppings of its own. This dish features a thin, crisp crust topped with a creamy blend of sour cream, onions, and bacon or lardons.
Image Credit: Flickr
7. Russian Pizza
Russian Pizza or Mockba, which means Moscow, is a country’s speciality that is made with sardines, tuna, mackerel, salmon and raw onions. The unique thing about it is that it is served cold, which might be hard to imagine at first, but yes, it tastes amazing. For those who like seafood, this dish will be a delightful treat for their tastebuds.
8. Turkish Pizza
Lahmacun, or Turkish Pizza is a Middle Eastern flatbread that is topped with minced meat, minced vegetables, and herbs. The strong nodes of onions, garlic, tomatoes, red peppers, and parsley, when flavoured with spices such as chilli pepper and paprika, make a tantalising blend. After placing the toppings, this bread is baked and served with vegetables, pickles, or roasted eggplant.
From spicy Indian to savoury American, the lore of pizza extends beyond the borders of Italy and continues delighting everyone with its innovative creations. Celebrate these eight pizza variations and discover new amazing flavours.
