Pizza Marinara
A simple pizza with tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
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 Marinara's history is deeply intertwined with Naples' port and its working-class inhabitants. It emerged as a simple, affordable meal for sailors (marinai in Italian), utilizing readily available ingredients that wouldn't spoil easily on long voyages. It represents a culinary solution born from practicality and resourcefulness.
Pizza Marinara, despite its simplicity, holds a significant place in Neapolitan culinary culture as an emblem of tradition and authenticity. It showcases the region's commitment to fresh, local ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.
Test of a Pizzaiolo
In Naples, the Pizza Marinara is often considered a benchmark for evaluating a pizzaiolo's skill. Mastering this seemingly simple pizza requires precise technique and a deep understanding of ingredient quality and balance.
Neapolitan Identity
The Pizza Marinara is deeply connected to Neapolitan identity and heritage. It represents a return to the roots of pizza making, emphasizing simple, honest flavors over elaborate toppings.
Street Food Staple
While found in pizzerias, the Marinara remains a popular and affordable street food option in Naples. Its quick preparation and accessible ingredients make it a readily available snack or meal for locals and tourists alike.
The Pizza Marinara offers a vibrant and uncomplicated flavor profile, characterized by fresh, acidic tomato, pungent garlic, and aromatic oregano, all brought together by the richness of olive oil.
The dominant flavor is the tangy sweetness of high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, transformed into a light and fresh sauce. Garlic, thinly sliced or minced, provides a sharp, savory kick that permeates the entire pizza. Dried oregano contributes a warm, slightly bitter, and herbal fragrance, complementing the other ingredients. Finally, extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity richness and lubricates the palate, harmonizing all the elements.
Tomato Quality is Key
Using high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, preferably DOP certified, is essential for achieving the authentic flavor profile. These tomatoes have a naturally sweet and acidic flavor that is unmatched.
Don't Overload the Garlic
While garlic is important, use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors. Thinly slice or mince it evenly to ensure consistent distribution.
Bake at High Heat
Baking the pizza at a high temperature (ideally in a wood-fired oven) for a short period is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and properly cooked toppings. A home oven should be preheated to its highest setting.
Use Good Quality Olive Oil
Use extra virgin olive oil, and do not use a cheap supermarket brand as it will affect the final taste.
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