Step into the world of flavor and history as we embark on a culinary journey with the tantalizing pizza marinara.
A beloved Neapolitan delight, this mouthwatering creation combines rich tomato sauce, aromatic garlic, and fragrant oregano.
But there’s more to this timeless dish than meets the eye.
Join us as we uncover its fascinating origins, hinting at a connection with sailors and the art of preserving ingredients.
Prepare to be captivated by the unique story behind the irresistible pizza marinara.
pizza marinara
Pizza marinara is a classic Neapolitan pizza that originated in Naples, Italy.
It is seasoned with only tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic.
This style of pizza is considered the oldest tomato-topped pizza, with a recipe dating back to around the year 1735.
Historically, it was commonly ordered by poor sailors and made on their ships due to its easily preservable ingredients.
The process of making pizza marinara involves placing peeled tomatoes in the center of the pizza base, covering the entire surface with the sauce, slicing and scattering garlic, sprinkling oregano, and pouring extra virgin olive oil over the pizza.
Pizza marinara is usually baked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures.
It does not have cheese and is topped with only tomato sauce, thinly sliced garlic, and oregano.
Overall, pizza marinara is a traditional and flavorful Neapolitan pizza option.
Key Points:
- Pizza marinara is a classic Neapolitan pizza originating in Naples, Italy.
- It is seasoned with tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic.
- Dating back to 1735, it is considered the oldest tomato-topped pizza.
- Historically, it was popular among poor sailors due to its easily preserved ingredients.
- The pizza marinara is made by placing peeled tomatoes in the center of the pizza base, adding sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
- It is typically baked in a wood-fired oven without cheese.
pizza marinara – Watch Video
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Pro Tips:
1. The original “pizza marinara” recipe did not include cheese. It consisted of a simple mix of crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and basil, making it a perfect choice for those who are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy.
2. The name “marinara” actually comes from the Italian word “marinaro,” which means sailor. Legend has it that Italian sailors used to make this type of pizza while out at sea, as its ingredients were easy to preserve and did not require refrigeration.
3. In Naples, where pizza marinara originated, the true authentic version must be made according to strict guidelines. These guidelines state that the dough must be prepared using just four ingredients: flour, yeast, water, and salt, resulting in a thin and crispy crust.
4. Pizza marinara is often considered the precursor to the more commonly known margherita pizza. In fact, both pizzas were created in Naples, but the margherita pizza was specifically made to honor Queen Margherita of Italy during her visit to the city.
5. Pizza marinara gained popularity as a cheap and filling meal for Italian laborers in the 19th century. Due to its affordability, it quickly became a staple food among the lower classes and eventually spread throughout Italy and later the rest of the world.
Introduction To Pizza Marinara
Pizza marinara is a classic Neapolitan pizza with a rich history and a simple yet delicious recipe. It originated in Naples, Italy, and is deeply rooted in Neapolitan cuisine. What sets pizza marinara apart is its minimalistic approach to toppings, which include only tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic. This simplicity allows the authentic flavors to shine through and creates a truly satisfying gastronomic experience.
Traditional Ingredients Of Pizza Marinara
The recipe for pizza marinara has remained relatively unchanged since its inception in the mid-18th century. Traditionally, it includes a pizza base topped with a savory mix of tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and oregano. The combination of these basic ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both vibrant and comforting.
Additionally, some variations may include:
- Small fish
- Mozzarella slices
- Prosciutto
- Tomatoes
- Wedge clams
These variations depend on personal preferences or regional variations.
“Pizza marinara has a rich history and continues to be enjoyed by pizza lovers worldwide.”
Historical Origin Of Pizza Marinara
Pizza marinara has a fascinating historical significance dating back to 1735. It is believed to be the oldest tomato-topped pizza, predating famous variants like pizza Margherita. The recipe originated to meet the needs of poor sailors, who required easily preservable ingredients during their long voyages. This flavorful dish became a staple on ships, providing sustenance during their journeys.
Pizza Marinara As A Popular Choice For Sailors
The popularity of pizza marinara among sailors can be attributed to its economic value and convenience. The handiness of the ingredients, such as tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, made it a practical choice for sailors who needed meals that could be easily preserved. This delectable pizza not only satisfied their hunger but also brought a taste of home to the sailors, reminding them of their beloved Naples as they sailed the high seas.
- The popularity of pizza marinara among sailors is due to its economic value and convenience.
- The ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, make it a practical choice for sailors in need of easily preserved meals.
- The pizza provides both nourishment and a taste of home to the sailors.
- It reminds them of their beloved Naples as they navigate the high seas.
Variations Of Pizza Marinara With Additional Ingredients
While the traditional recipe for pizza marinara consists of tomato sauce, olive oil, oregano, and garlic, variations have emerged over the years that incorporate additional ingredients.
In pizzerias outside of Naples, it is common to find modified versions of pizza marinara that feature toppings such as:
- cheese
- small fish
- mozzarella slices
- prosciutto
- tomatoes
- wedge clams
These variations offer a diverse range of flavors and showcase the creativity of different regions in Italy and around the world.
“Variations of pizza marinara can be found in pizzerias outside of Naples, featuring a wide variety of toppings and ingredients.”
Step-By-Step Process Of Making Pizza Marinara
To create an authentic pizza marinara, follow this precise process:
- Place peeled tomatoes in the center of the pizza base and cover the entire surface with the sauce.
- Slice and scatter garlic, sprinkle oregano, and pour generous amounts of extra virgin olive oil over the pizza.
- Carefully assemble the ingredients to ensure that each bite delivers a burst of flavor and captures the essence of Neapolitan cuisine.
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The pizza should then be baked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
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Peel and place tomatoes
- Cover the entire surface with sauce
- Slice and scatter garlic
- Sprinkle oregano
- Pour generous amounts of extra virgin olive oil
- Bake in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures
“This careful assembly ensures that each bite delivers a burst of flavor and captures the essence of Neapolitan cuisine.”
Pizza Marinara In Pizzerias Outside Of Naples
While the true essence of pizza marinara lies in its Neapolitan roots, pizzerias outside of Naples have also embraced this classic dish. However, it is essential to note that these interpretations may vary from the traditional recipe, incorporating local ingredients and culinary influences. Despite these variations, the spirit of pizza marinara remains strong, and it continues to be a favored choice among pizza lovers worldwide.
- Pizza marinara originated in Naples.
- Pizzerias outside of Naples have their own takes on the classic recipe.
- Local ingredients and culinary influences may impact the interpretation of pizza marinara.
- Despite the variations, pizza marinara remains popular worldwide.
Pizza Marinara As A Classic Neapolitan Pizza
Pizza marinara, along with pizza Margherita, is considered the epitome of Neapolitan pizza. This classic dish showcases the charm of old-world flavors and simplicity. What sets pizza marinara apart is the absence of cheese, which allows the tangy tomato sauce, aromatic oregano, and pungent garlic to shine through. This unique combination creates a sensory experience that is truly unmatched.
In the world of Neapolitan cuisine, pizza marinara holds a special place as a timeless Italian masterpiece.
- Old-world charm and simplicity
- Robust flavors without cheese
- Tangy tomato sauce, aromatic oregano, and pungent garlic
- A sensory experience like no other
- Enduring legacy of Neapolitan cuisine
- Classic Italian dish
Tips For Achieving The Best Flavor In Pizza Marinara
To fully savor the rich flavors of pizza marinara, the quality of the ingredients is paramount. It is recommended to use San Marzano tomatoes, known for their exceptional taste and texture. However, if these are not available, fire-roasted tomatoes can be used to impart a sweeter flavor profile. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes can be found in mainstream grocery stores or online, making them readily accessible to aspiring pizza chefs. Additionally, the dough used for pizza marinara should be thin in the middle and poofed on the outside, creating a balance of crispiness and softness.
Tools And Equipment For Making Pizza Marinara
To achieve the most authentic pizza marinara experience, certain tools and equipment are essential. A pizza stone is highly recommended as it helps to make the crust crispy on the bottom while keeping the inside soft and tender. It also aids in achieving the characteristic charred spots that add depth to the pizza’s flavor. Additionally, a pizza peel is useful for transferring the pizza onto the pizza stone in the oven, ensuring an effortless process. While a pizza oven is not necessary, an inexpensive pizza oven can be an excellent investment for those seeking a truly authentic and artisanal pizza-making experience.
“Pizza marinara is a time-honored Neapolitan delicacy with a rich history and a simple yet satisfying recipe.”
- Pizza stone for crispy bottom and tender inside
- Pizza peel for easy transfer
- Inexpensive pizza oven for truly authentic experience
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You may need to know these questions about pizza marinara
What is a pizza marinara?
Pizza marinara is a delightful creation that embraces simplicity and highlights the true essence of flavors. Originating in Naples in the mid-1700s, it diverges from its cheesy counterpart, pizza margherita, by omitting the cheese entirely. Instead, this culinary masterpiece provides a striking medley of flavors with its base of tangy tomato sauce complemented by delicate slices of garlic and aromatic oregano. As the absence of cheese allows the other ingredients to shine, pizza marinara presents a unique and authentic dining experience, showcasing the rich heritage and timeless flavors of Italian cuisine.
What is difference between pizza sauce and marinara?
While pizza sauce and marinara sauce share common ingredients like tomatoes and herbs, their differences lie in the preparation and usage. Pizza sauce has a thicker consistency as the tomatoes are pureed instead of lightly blended like in marinara sauce. It is typically cooked directly on a pizza crust, serving as a base for the toppings. On the other hand, marinara sauce is often served as a dip or topping, providing a lighter and more liquid complement to various dishes such as pasta or meatballs. So, while both sauces have their place in Italian cuisine, their distinct textures and uses set them apart.
Why is pizza marinara called marinara?
Pizza Marinara is referred to as “marinara” due to its association with the seafarers who enjoyed this flavorful pizza upon their return from fishing trips in the Bay of Naples. The seafarers’ wives, known as “la marinara,” would skillfully prepare the pizza using authentic ingredients like tomato, oregano, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. The name “marinara” thus pays homage to the maritime origins of this pizza, allowing its rich history to be passed down through generations of Italian culinary tradition.
What is the difference between marinara pizza and margherita pizza?
While both marinara pizza and Margherita pizza share a similar base of tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and oil, their main distinction lies in the absence of cheese on marinara pizza. Unlike Margherita pizza, which features a generous topping of mozzarella cheese, marinara pizza opts for a lighter and cheese-free option. This divergence in cheese usage gives each pizza its own unique flavor profile, creating distinct culinary experiences for pizza enthusiasts.
Reference source
https://www.acouplecooks.com/pizza-marinara/
https://www.webstaurantstore.com/blog/3322/pizza-sauce-pasta-sauce.html
https://www.romecabs.com/blog/docs/the-history-of-naples-pizza/
https://wildgrain.com/blogs/news/margherita-pizza-vs-regular-cheese-vs-neapolitan-vs-marinara-vs-caprese
