Pan Pizza: An Italian Favorite

Pan pizza is a type of pizza baked in a deep dish pan or sheet pan. While pan pizza is commonly associated with American-style pizza, there are some notable early versions of pan pizza that originated in Italy. For instance, Pizza al Padellino from Turin in Northern Italy has historical references dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. This pizza is baked in a round pan with a generous amount of olive oil, resulting in a fried and slightly crispy exterior. Other forms of pan pizza include Turin-style pizza, Italian tomato pie, Sicilian pizza, and more. While pan pizza may have Italian roots, it has also been popularised by pizza chains like Pizza Hut and Domino's, which offer their own versions of thick-crust pan pizza.

Italians eat pizza with a fork and knife

Pizza in Italy is respected, and certain traditions are revered, including the customary way of eating pizza. Eating pizza with a fork and knife is one such tradition. It is worth noting that the pizza types commonly served in sit-down restaurants in Italy, such as the Margherita pizza from Naples, are meant to be eaten while they are still hot. This makes it impractical to pick up the pizza with your hands immediately after it comes out of the oven.

Additionally, in Italy, it is customary for each person to order their own pizza, and sharing is uncommon. Pizzas are typically served unsliced, and it is expected that you will cut your own pizza. This tradition stems from the pride Italians take in finishing their pizza. The only exception to this rule is pizza al taglio, which is meant to be shared with friends or family.

The use of a fork and knife when eating pizza is part of the local rules and customs in Italy. While it may not be considered rude to eat pizza with your hands, it is generally seen as inappropriate, especially in full-service restaurants where eating with your hands is always considered impolite.

So, when in Italy, it is recommended to follow the local customs and eat your pizza with a fork and knife, just as the locals do.

Each person orders their own pizza

In Italy, pizza is a cherished culinary tradition with a rich history that dates back to ancient cultures. While the practice of each person ordering their own pizza is not explicitly mentioned in the sources, here is an overview of Italian pizza culture and ordering conventions that can inform your understanding:

Italian Pizza Culture

Pizza holds a special place in Italian cuisine and cultural heritage. Modern pizza as we know it evolved from flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, between the 16th and 18th centuries. The word "pizza" was first documented in AD 997 in Gaeta, Italy, and has since spread worldwide. Pizza Napoletana, originating in Naples, is one of the most famous types of Italian pizza and is protected by a Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) certification. This style is meticulously crafted with specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Variety of Italian Pizzas

Italy boasts an array of pizza varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some notable mentions:

• Pizza alla Pala: Also known as "paddle pizza," this style originated in Roman bakeries, using leftover bread dough. It has a highly hydrated dough and is served on a wooden paddle.
• Pizza Tonda Romana: A flat and round pizza with a thin, crispy, almost cracker-like crust, found in Roman pizzerias.
• Pizza al Taglio: Literally "pizza by the cut," this pizza is baked in a large rectangular pan and cut into squares or strips. Customers can choose the size of their slice, typically priced by weight.
• Pizza Fritta: A classic Neapolitan street food, where the dough is fried instead of baked, with various fillings.
• Pizza al Padellino: Referred to as "pan pizza," this style is baked in small, round pans, resulting in a thick, soft crust. It is commonly served in Torino.
• Sicilian-style Pizza (Sfincione): This thick-crust or deep-dish pizza is often served in bakeries as a snack or street food. It is baked in a rectangular pan and topped with tomato sauce, anchovies, onions, oregano, and sheep's milk cheese, finished with a sprinkling of breadcrumbs.

Ordering Pizza in Italy

When ordering pizza in Italy, it is customary for the pizza to be served unsliced in a restaurant setting, and it is typically eaten with a knife and fork. In more casual settings, such as street food or takeaway, pizza is usually cut into slices to be eaten by hand.

In conclusion, while the specific practice of each person ordering their own pizza may not be universally followed in Italy, the country offers a diverse range of pizzas to cater to individual preferences. Italians take great pride in their pizza heritage, and the variety of pizzas available ensures that everyone can find a slice to suit their tastes.

Italians frown upon adding grated cheese, chilli flakes or dipping sauces

Italians Frown Upon Adding Grated Cheese, Chilli Flakes, or Dipping Sauces

Italians are known for their love of food and their strong culinary traditions. When it comes to pizza, they believe that it should be enjoyed in its purest form, without any alterations or additions that may detract from the intended flavour. This includes grated cheese, chilli flakes, and dipping sauces.

Firstly, Italians consider it a cardinal sin to add grated cheese to their pizza. This may be because the notion of adding more cheese to a pizza implies that there was not enough cheese in the first place, which is considered an insult to the pizzaiuolo (pizza-maker). A skilled pizzaiuolo will carefully calculate the correct amount of toppings and seasoning to ensure that every bite is perfect.

Secondly, Italians do not add chilli flakes to their pizza. While chillies used on pizza may have originated in the Calabria region of Italy, adding them is still considered an alteration to the traditional recipe. Italians believe that the addition of chilli flakes takes away from the authentic pizza experience and shows a lack of respect for their culinary heritage.

Lastly, dipping sauces are also frowned upon in Italy. The idea of dipping pizza in a sauce is considered sacrilegious to Italians, who believe that a well-made pizza should not need any additional condiments. In fact, the use of dipping sauces is seen as a slap in the face to the traditions and authenticity of Italian pizza. If a pizza requires a dipping sauce, Italians believe it is not a true Italian pizza.

The addition of grated cheese, chilli flakes, or dipping sauces to pizza is considered an insult to the pizza-maker and a degradation of the pizza itself. Italians take great pride in their culinary traditions and believe that altering a pizza with these additions is unacceptable. While it may be tempting to add these garnishes, it is important to respect the cultural significance of Italian pizza and refrain from making such alterations when in Italy.

However, it is worth noting that while Italians may frown upon these practices, they are not inherently rude or inappropriate. As with all cultural differences, it is essential to be respectful and open-minded when visiting a new country.

Fried appetisers are customary before pizza

In Italy, fried appetisers are customary before pizza. Fried appetisers are a speciality of Italy, and there are many options to choose from. Fried zucchini blossoms, stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto, are a delicate treat. Fried ravioli, or arancini, are rice balls with a crunchy exterior and a creamy interior. Fried zucchini or squash blossoms, stuffed with cheese, are another moreish option.

For those who enjoy seafood, there is fritto misto, a mix of shrimp, calamari, anchovy-stuffed olives, and paper-thin lemon slices, fried to crispy, golden perfection. Fried mozzarella cheese sticks and fried stuffed olives are also popular choices.

If you're looking for something a little more hearty, beef spiedini are skewers of marinated steak stuffed with a marinara-and-crumb filling. For vegetarians, there are options like focaccia, a crisp, flaky, cheese-filled Italian bread, or bruschetta, which comes in many varieties.

So, if you're planning a pizza night, why not start with some delicious fried appetisers? Your guests will surely appreciate them!

Italians drink beer with pizza

While Italians are known for their love of wine, when it comes to pizza, they tend to opt for beer. This may be surprising, but there are several reasons why beer is the preferred beverage to enjoy with a slice. Firstly, pizza is typically eaten for dinner in Italy, and Italians believe that sparkling drinks aid digestion. Beer, with its carbonation, fits the bill perfectly.

The choice of beer may also depend on the type of pizza. Spicy, meat-topped pizzas like pepperoni pair well with pale ales, bringing out their heat. Meanwhile, the saltiness of these pizzas is balanced by the sweetness of darker ales. On the other hand, plain pizzas like a Margherita are better suited to floral ales or IPAs, which complement the simple flavours without overwhelming them. For veggie pizzas, a pilsner is an excellent choice, and for mushroom pizzas, stouts help to amplify their earthy flavours.

The preference for beer with pizza may also be due to the dairy content of pizza. The large amounts of cheese can be rich and heavy, and the carbonation in beer helps to cut through the dairy. Additionally, beer has been gaining popularity in Italy, so it is only natural that it has become the go-to drink for pizza nights.

So, if you're looking to enjoy an authentic Italian dining experience, don't be afraid to grab a cold beer with your pizza. Whether it's a classic Margherita or a spicy meat feast, there's a beer that will make the perfect pairing.

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