To the untrained eye, Margherita pizza may seem like a simple cheese pie, but there are distinct differences that make it stand apart. While both pizzas share similarities in their minimalistic ingredients and focus on quality, Margherita pizza possesses a rich history and elevated flavors that set it apart from its cheesy cousin. The origin story of Margherita pizza traces back to 1889 when a pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito created a pizza using mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil – representing the colors of the Italian flag – for Queen Margherita. Since then, Margherita pizza has become a beloved Italian classic, known for its strict adherence to fresh mozzarella cheese, a generous portion of sauce, and the addition of fresh basil leaves. Furthermore, Margherita pizzas are traditionally cooked using fine 00 flour, creating a delicate, crispy crust, and are typically smaller in size to prevent the toppings from overpowering the crust. So, while cheese pizzas come in various forms, Margherita pizza holds a special place in the realm of pizza perfection.
What Is Margherita Pizza and How Is It Different From Regular Cheese?
At first glance, Margherita pizza and regular cheese pizza may appear very similar. They both include pizza dough, sauce, and mozzarella cheese as key ingredients. However, there are a few distinct elements that set Margherita pizza apart and make it a unique dish. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, crust, cooking method, size, and differences between Margherita pizza and regular cheese pizza to fully understand what makes them different.
Overview of Margherita Pizza and Regular Cheese Pizza
Similarities
Both Margherita pizza and regular cheese pizza share a few similarities. Both recipes are simple and focus on the quality of each component rather than complex flavor combinations. They both use pizza dough, sauce, and mozzarella cheese as the basic ingredients. Additionally, both pizzas can be enjoyed by people of all ages and are popular worldwide.
Differences
Despite their similarities, Margherita pizza and regular cheese pizza have some distinctive differences that set them apart from each other. The use of fresh mozzarella cheese, hearty sauce, and fresh basil leaves in Margherita pizza gives it a unique flavor and texture. The crust of Margherita pizza is made with fine 00 flour and is cooked at a higher temperature and for a shorter time compared to regular cheese pizza. Margherita pizza is also typically smaller in size to prevent the toppings from creating a soupy pool in the middle of the pie.
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History of Margherita Pizza
The true origins of Margherita pizza are uncertain, but there is a popular tale that many attribute to its creation. According to the story, in 1889, an Italian pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito was tasked with making three pizzas for Queen Margherita. Two of the pizzas were not well-received, but the third one stood out. This pizza had mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil as its main ingredients, reflecting the colors of the Italian flag. Queen Margherita loved the pizza, so it was named in her honor. While the veracity of this story is up for debate, Margherita pizza has become an iconic Italian dish.
Distinctive Elements of Margherita Pizza
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
A key element that sets Margherita pizza apart is the use of fresh mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella is creamier and more delicate compared to processed shredded mozzarella. It is typically stored in liquid, which gives it a softer texture. For an authentic Margherita pizza, mozzarella di bufala, or buffalo mozzarella, is often used. The fresh mozzarella adds a rich and creamy flavor to the pizza.
Hearty Sauce
Margherita pizza features a hearty helping of sauce. The sauce can be infused with spices, but plain, high-quality blended tomatoes work just as well. Most Margherita pizza recipes call for fresh tomatoes or canned San Marzano tomatoes. The sauce is the star of the show in Neapolitan-style Margherita pizza, with a generous amount spread over the dough.
Fresh Basil Leaves
In addition to the sauce and cheese, Margherita pizza is always topped with a few fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a vibrant and aromatic freshness to the pizza. It complements the flavors of the tomatoes and mozzarella, enhancing the overall taste of the Margherita pizza.
Crust and Cooking Method
Use of Fine 00 Flour
Margherita pizza is traditionally made with fine 00 flour. This type of flour creates a pillowy and delicate dough that results in a flaky and crispy crust. The fine 00 flour gives the dough a light texture, allowing it to cook quickly and evenly.
Cooking Time and Methods
Margherita pizza is known for its quick cooking time. In a proper wood-burning pizza oven, Margherita pizzas can cook in as little as twenty seconds. However, for those without access to such an oven, baking the pizza in a regular oven at the highest setting for approximately six minutes is the next best option. The high cooking temperature ensures that the crust becomes crispy while the cheese melts and the toppings cook evenly.
Size Difference
Margherita pizza and regular cheese pizza also differ in size. Due to the moisture from the sauce and the mozzarella, Margherita pizzas tend to create a soupy pool in the middle of the pie. To avoid this, Margherita pizzas and other Neapolitan varieties are typically smaller in size, usually less than a foot in diameter. In contrast, regular cheese pizzas can come in various sizes, from large to small, and can be of different types, such as deep-dish or thin-crust.
Conclusion
While Margherita pizza and regular cheese pizza may seem similar at first glance, they have several distinctive elements that set them apart. Margherita pizza’s use of fresh mozzarella cheese, hearty sauce, and fresh basil leaves creates a unique flavor and texture. The crust made with fine 00 flour and the quick cooking time further differentiates Margherita pizza from regular cheese pizza. Additionally, Margherita pizza is typically smaller in size to prevent the toppings from creating a soupy pool. Understanding these differences allows pizza lovers to appreciate the uniqueness of Margherita pizza and regular cheese pizza, both of which have their own delicious characteristics.
References
- What Is Margherita Pizza And How Is It Different From Regular Cheese? – Chowhound
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