Pizza marinara facts for kids
Pizza marinara
|
|
| Type | Pizza |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Naples |
| Main ingredients |
|
Pizza marinara, also known as pizza alla marinara, is a classic type of Neapolitan pizza from Italian cuisine. It's special because it only uses a few simple ingredients: tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic. Many people believe it's the oldest pizza topped with tomato.
The Story of Pizza Marinara
People say that pizza marinara first appeared around the year 1735. Some even claim it was made on ships by sailors because its ingredients were easy to store for a long time. This is why it's called "marinara," which means "sailor style." However, these stories are mostly based on old traditions, not on strong historical proof.
In 1866, a writer named Francesco de Bourcard wrote about the customs of Naples. He described pizzas that were made with oil, salt, oregano, and finely chopped garlic. He also mentioned that sometimes small fish, mozzarella, prosciutto, or tomatoes were added. This shows that even back then, there were different ways to make pizza, and tomatoes were a popular addition.
|
Le pizze più ordinarie, dette coll'aglio e l'olio, han per condimento l'olio, e sopra vi si sparge, oltre il sale, l'origano e spicchi d'aglio trinciati minutamente. Altre sono coperte di formaggio grattugiato e condite collo strutto, e allora vi si pone disopra qualche foglia di basilico. Alle prime spesso si aggiunge del pesce minuto; alle seconde delle sottili fette di mozzarella. Talora si fa uso di prosciutto affettato, di pomidoro, di arselle, ec. Talora ripiegando la pasta su se stessa se ne forma quel che chiamasi calzone. |
The most common pizzas, called with garlic and oil, are made with oil. On top, they have salt, finely chopped oregano, and garlic. Other pizzas have grated cheese and lard, with a few basil leaves. Sometimes, small fish are added to the first type, and thin slices of mozzarella to the second. People also use sliced prosciutto, tomatoes, or clams. If the dough is folded over, it becomes what is called a calzone. |
How to Make Pizza Marinara
The "Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana" (which means "True Neapolitan Pizza Association") has special rules for making real Neapolitan pizza, including the marinara. Here's how they say it should be done:
- First, put peeled tomatoes in the center of the pizza dough. Use a spoon to spread the sauce in a spiral, covering the whole base but leaving the crust empty. You can use fresh tomatoes instead of peeled ones if you like.
- Next, take a garlic clove, remove any hard parts, and slice it thinly. Sprinkle these garlic slices evenly over the tomato sauce in a circular motion.
- Then, sprinkle a small amount of oregano carefully over the pizza's surface.
- Finally, pour Extra virgin olive oil over the pizza. Start from the center and move outwards in a spiral, using a special oil can or a food-safe container.
In pizzerias around Rome, some chefs like to add salted anchovies to their pizza marinara for extra flavor.
See also
In Spanish: Pizza marinera para niños
