Pizza, the beloved dish of many, has been a staple in both Italian and American cuisine for decades. While its origins are rooted in Italy, the United States, particularly New York City, has developed its own unique take on this classic dish. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of pizza, exploring the differences between New York style pizza and Italian style pizza.
A Brief History of Pizza
Before we dive into the differences between these two styles, it’s essential to understand the history of pizza. The word “pizza” was first mentioned in a Latin text from Gaeta, Italy, in 997 AD. However, the modern version of pizza originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th or early 19th century. The first true pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, was opened in Naples in 1738 and is still serving pizzas today.
Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the United States, where it gained popularity in the early 20th century. The first pizzeria in the United States, G. Lombardi’s, was opened by Gennaro Lombardi in 1905 in New York City’s Little Italy. Lombardi’s menu featured the classic Neapolitan-style pizza, which quickly gained popularity among locals.
The Rise of New York Style Pizza
In the early 20th century, Italian immigrants in New York City began to adapt their pizza-making techniques to suit American tastes. They developed a new style of pizza that was distinct from its Italian counterpart. This new style, known as New York style pizza, was characterized by a thinner crust, a lighter coating of sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses.
New York style pizza quickly gained popularity throughout the city, with pizzerias like Lombardi’s, Joe’s Pizza, and Patsy’s Pizzeria becoming iconic institutions. The style spread throughout the United States, with many pizzerias adopting the New York style pizza recipe.
Characteristics of New York Style Pizza
So, what sets New York style pizza apart from its Italian counterpart? Here are some key characteristics:
- Thin crust: New York style pizza crust is hand-tossed and thin, with a crispy bottom and a chewy interior.
- Light coating of sauce: The sauce is spread thinly over the dough, allowing the cheese and toppings to take center stage.
- Blend of cheeses: New York style pizza typically features a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and other cheeses, which provides a rich and creamy flavor.
- Foldable slices: New York style pizza slices are large and thin, making them easy to fold and eat on the go.
The Authenticity of Italian Style Pizza
While New York style pizza has its own unique charm, Italian style pizza remains the gold standard for many pizza enthusiasts. Italian style pizza, also known as Neapolitan-style pizza, is characterized by a thin crust, soft center, and fresh toppings.
Characteristics of Italian Style Pizza
Here are some key characteristics of Italian style pizza:
- Thin crust: Italian style pizza crust is hand-kneaded and thin, with a soft center and a crispy edge.
- San Marzano tomatoes: Italian style pizza sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which provide a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Fresh mozzarella: Italian style pizza typically features fresh mozzarella cheese, which is made from the milk of water buffalo.
- Simple toppings: Italian style pizza toppings are simple and fresh, with a focus on ingredients like basil, oregano, and prosciutto.
The Art of Neapolitan Pizza Making
Neapolitan pizza making is an art form that requires skill and patience. Pizzaiolos (pizza makers) must be trained in the traditional techniques of Neapolitan pizza making, which includes:
- Hand-kneading the dough: The dough must be hand-kneaded for at least 10 minutes to develop the gluten.
- Shaping the dough: The dough must be shaped into a perfect circle, with a raised edge (cornicione) and a soft center.
- Adding the toppings: The toppings must be added in a specific order, with the sauce and cheese going on first, followed by the fresh toppings.
A Comparison of New York Style and Italian Style Pizza
So, how do New York style and Italian style pizza compare? Here’s a summary:
| Pizza Style | Crust | Sauce | Cheese | Toppings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Style | Thin, crispy, and chewy | Light coating, sweet and tangy | Blend of mozzarella and other cheeses | Varied, with a focus on meat and vegetables |
| Italian Style | Thin, soft, and crispy | San Marzano tomatoes, sweet and tangy | Fresh mozzarella | Simple, with a focus on fresh ingredients |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between New York style pizza and Italian style pizza is a matter of personal preference. While New York style pizza is known for its thin crust, light coating of sauce, and blend of cheeses, Italian style pizza is characterized by its thin crust, soft center, and fresh toppings.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic New York style pizza or the authentic Italian style pizza, there’s no denying the fact that pizza is a beloved dish that brings people together. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a slice (or three), consider trying both styles and deciding for yourself which one reigns supreme.
Final Thoughts
In the world of pizza, there’s no right or wrong – only delicious slices and happy memories. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just a casual fan, there’s always something new to discover in the world of pizza.
So, go ahead and grab a slice (or two, or three) and indulge in the rich flavors and aromas of this beloved dish. Your taste buds will thank you, and who knows, you might just discover a new favorite style of pizza.
What is the main difference between New York Style Pizza and Italian Style Pizza?
The main difference between New York Style Pizza and Italian Style Pizza lies in their crust, sauce, cheese, and overall texture. New York Style Pizza is known for its thin crust, hand-tossed and crispy at the bottom, with a light coating of sauce and a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses. In contrast, Italian Style Pizza, also known as Neapolitan Pizza, has a thicker crust, soft and chewy in the center, with a rich tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Another significant difference is the cooking method. New York Style Pizzas are baked in a brick oven at high temperatures for a short time, resulting in a crispy crust. Italian Style Pizzas, on the other hand, are cooked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures for a very short time, giving the crust a characteristic char and smoky flavor.
What is the origin of New York Style Pizza?
New York Style Pizza originated in the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the United States. The first pizzeria in New York City, G. Lombardi’s, was opened by Gennaro Lombardi in 1905. Lombardi’s menu featured the classic Neapolitan-style pizza, but over time, his menu evolved to cater to American tastes, resulting in the development of the New York Style Pizza.
The New York Style Pizza gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly with the opening of famous pizzerias like Joe’s Pizza and Patsy’s Pizzeria. These establishments helped to define the characteristics of the New York Style Pizza, including its thin crust, foldable slices, and classic toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and mushrooms.
What is the origin of Italian Style Pizza?
Italian Style Pizza, also known as Neapolitan Pizza, originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. The first true pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, was opened in Naples in 1738, and it is still serving pizzas today. Neapolitan Pizza was initially made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, which were readily available in the region.
The art of Neapolitan pizza-making was passed down through generations, with each pizzaiolo (pizza maker) adding their own twist to the traditional recipe. In 2017, the art of Neapolitan pizza-making was even recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, solidifying its importance in Italian cuisine and culture.
What are the key ingredients used in New York Style Pizza?
The key ingredients used in New York Style Pizza include a thin crust made from high-gluten flour, water, yeast, salt, and sugar. The sauce is typically made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes, which are sweeter and less acidic than other tomato varieties. The cheese is a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone, which provides a creamy and melty texture.
Toppings for New York Style Pizza are classic and simple, including pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and sausage. The toppings are spread out in a symmetrical pattern, allowing each slice to have a balanced flavor and texture. Fresh basil is often added as a garnish, adding a bright and herbaceous note to the pizza.
What are the key ingredients used in Italian Style Pizza?
The key ingredients used in Italian Style Pizza include a thick crust made from type “0” or “00” flour, water, yeast, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are crushed by hand to create a smooth and tangy sauce. The cheese is typically fresh mozzarella di bufala, which is made from the milk of water buffalo and has a creamy and delicate texture.
Toppings for Italian Style Pizza are simple and traditional, including fresh basil, oregano, and prosciutto or sausage. The toppings are spread out in a minimalist pattern, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Extra-virgin olive oil is often drizzled over the pizza, adding a rich and fruity note to the dish.
How do the cooking methods differ between New York Style Pizza and Italian Style Pizza?
The cooking methods for New York Style Pizza and Italian Style Pizza differ significantly. New York Style Pizzas are baked in a brick oven at high temperatures (500-600°F) for a short time (10-15 minutes), resulting in a crispy crust and a well-cooked topping. The oven is often fueled by coal or gas, which provides a consistent heat source.
Italian Style Pizzas, on the other hand, are cooked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures (900-1000°F) for a very short time (2-3 minutes). The wood-fired oven provides a unique smoky flavor and a characteristic char to the crust. The high heat and short cooking time result in a soft and chewy center, which is a hallmark of Neapolitan-style pizza.
Can I make New York Style Pizza and Italian Style Pizza at home?
Yes, you can make both New York Style Pizza and Italian Style Pizza at home, but it may require some practice and patience to achieve the desired results. To make a New York Style Pizza, you will need a pizza stone or a baking steel, a high-temperature oven, and a pizza peel or a sheet pan. You can use a store-bought pizza dough or make your own using a high-gluten flour.
To make an Italian Style Pizza, you will need a wood-fired oven or a domestic oven with a pizza stone, a high-quality pizza dough, and fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala. You can also use a pizza stone or a baking steel to achieve a crispy crust. It’s essential to follow traditional recipes and techniques to achieve the authentic flavor and texture of Neapolitan-style pizza.