Pizza Calabresa
Pizza with mozzarella and calabresa sausage.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Pizza Senna
Pizza Calabresa, though featuring Italian roots due to the general popularity of pizza in Brazil, is distinctively Brazilian in its ingredient combination, primarily featuring Calabresa sausage. Italian immigrants brought pizza to Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it has since become a staple food, adapted to local tastes and ingredients. Calabresa sausage, itself derived from Italian traditions, was localized using native spices, differentiating it from its European counterparts and establishing its unique place in Brazilian cuisine.
Pizza Calabresa is deeply ingrained in Brazilian food culture, representing a fusion of Italian culinary traditions with local Brazilian flavors. It is a very popular pizza flavor often enjoyed at social gatherings and is a common choice for delivery and takeout.
Popular Social Food
Pizza Calabresa is a common choice for sharing among friends and family, especially during informal gatherings, parties, and sporting events. Ordering pizza is a social activity in Brazil, and Calabresa is one of the go-to flavors.
Ubiquitous Availability
Pizza Calabresa is found in almost every pizzeria across Brazil, from high-end restaurants to local delivery shops. Its widespread availability reflects its popularity and acceptance as a national favorite.
Local Adaptation
While inspired by Italian pizza-making traditions, Pizza Calabresa is distinctly Brazilian due to its use of locally produced Calabresa sausage and variations in preparation. This highlights the blending of cultures within Brazilian cuisine.
Pizza Calabresa offers a savory, slightly spicy, and smoky flavor profile, perfectly balanced by the creamy mozzarella cheese.
The dominant flavor comes from the Calabresa sausage, a cured pork sausage seasoned with paprika, chili peppers, and other spices, giving it a characteristic smoky and spicy taste. The mozzarella cheese provides a creamy and mild counterpoint, while the tomato sauce base adds a touch of acidity and sweetness. Often, sliced onions are added, contributing a subtle pungency and sweetness that complements the other ingredients. Some variations include oregano, which adds an aromatic and slightly bitter note.
Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality Calabresa sausage is crucial for achieving the authentic flavor. Look for sausage that is well-cured and has a good balance of spices.
Sausage Preparation
Slicing the Calabresa sausage thinly allows it to cook evenly and release its flavors throughout the pizza. Consider lightly pan-frying the slices before adding them to the pizza to enhance their crispiness and flavor.
Cheese Choice
While mozzarella is traditional, consider experimenting with other cheeses like provolone or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a more complex flavor profile.
Onion Balance
If using onions, slice them thinly and consider caramelizing them slightly before adding them to the pizza to enhance their sweetness and prevent them from being too pungent.
Enjoy Fresh
Pizza Calabresa is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the crust is crispy, the cheese is melted and gooey, and the Calabresa sausage is flavorful and aromatic.
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