When we think of Italian food, the first thing that comes to our mind is pizza. And if there’s one type of pizza that has made waves all over the world, it’s the Pizza Napoli.

Originating from the city of Naples, this pizza is now considered a classic Neapolitan dish, and one that every pizza lover must try at least once. So, what makes this pizza so special? Let’s find out!.

The History of Pizza Napoli

The Pizza Napoli has its roots in the city of Naples, which is known for its rich culinary traditions. It’s believed that the first-ever pizza was made in Naples in the 18th century, and it was a simple dish made with tomato, cheese, and bread.

Over time, the dish evolved, and new ingredients were added to create different types of pizzas.

The Pizza Napoli, however, remained true to its roots and stuck to the classic Neapolitan ingredients – San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil.

In fact, the Neapolitan pizza is so revered that it was even granted a UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017, making it the first-ever dish to receive such recognition.

The Ingredients

There are certain rules that one must follow when it comes to making a true Neapolitan pizza. For instance, the dough must be made with high-quality flour, fresh yeast, water, and salt.

The dough must also be stretched by hand and should have a thin, chewy crust. The sauce should be made with San Marzano tomatoes, which are known for their sweet flavor and low acidity. The cheese used is buffalo mozzarella, which should be fresh and not too salty.

Finally, the pizza is topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

How to Make Pizza Napoli

Making a Pizza Napoli is an art form, and it takes years of experience to perfect. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a classic Pizza Napoli:.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Cover the dough and let it rest for at least an hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a blender, puree the San Marzano tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. The sauce should be smooth and not too thick.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

Slice the buffalo mozzarella and set it aside. Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves and set them aside as well.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a pizza stone or a baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

Step 5: Stretch the Dough

Dust a clean surface with flour and stretch the dough by hand to form a round shape. Make sure the dough is not too thin and not too thick. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel that has been dusted with cornmeal.

Step 6: Add the Sauce and Toppings

Spread the tomato sauce evenly on top of the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Add the slices of buffalo mozzarella on top of the sauce. Finally, add the fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza

Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

The Best Places to Try Pizza Napoli

While Pizza Napoli can be found in many pizzerias around the world, there’s nothing like trying it in its birthplace – Naples. Here are some of the best places to try Pizza Napoli in Naples:.

Pizzeria da Michele

This pizzeria has been around since 1870 and is known for serving one of the best Pizza Napoli in the city. The pizzeria only has two types of pizza on the menu – Margherita and Marinara, but they’re both outstanding.

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo

This pizzeria is located in the heart of Naples and is known for its chewy crust and high-quality ingredients. They offer a wide variety of pizzas, but the Pizza Napoli is a must-try.

Pizzeria Brandi

This pizzeria is famous for creating the Margherita pizza, which is considered the first-ever pizza. However, their Pizza Napoli is also outstanding and is made with high-quality ingredients.

The Verdict

There’s no denying that Pizza Napoli is a classic Neapolitan dish and one that every pizza lover must try.

With its thin, chewy crust, sweet tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and aromatic basil, Pizza Napoli truly captures the essence of Italian cuisine. So, the next time you’re in Naples, make sure to try this classic dish and experience a taste of Italy!.