Italy is known for its diverse and regionally influenced cuisine, including a wide variety of regional pizzas. Each region in Italy has its own unique style of pizza, often influenced by local ingredients and culinary traditions. Here are some popular types of regional pizzas in Italy:
Neapolitan Pizza (Pizza Napoletana): Originating from Naples, Neapolitan pizza is one of the most famous and traditional styles. It features a thin, soft, and chewy crust with a slightly charred and blistered edge. The classic Neapolitan pizza is the Margherita, topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and olive oil.
Roman Pizza (Pizza Romana): Roman pizza, or Roman-style pizza, is characterized by a thin and crispy crust. It is typically rectangular or square in shape and often sold by weight. The classic Roman pizza is the Pizza al Taglio, which is cut into rectangular slices and topped with a variety of ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Sicilian Pizza (Pizza Siciliana): Hailing from Sicily, Sicilian pizza is known for its thick, rectangular crust. The dough is typically fluffy and light, and the pizza is often topped with a rich tomato sauce, grated cheese, onions, anchovies, and herbs.
Ligurian Pizza (Pizza alla Genovese): Originating from the Liguria region, specifically Genoa, this pizza is characterized by a thin and crispy crust. It is typically topped with a simple combination of ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes sliced potatoes or green beans.
Piedmontese Pizza (Pizza alla Piemontese): Found in the Piedmont region, this style of pizza often features a thin and crispy crust topped with local ingredients such as fresh tomatoes, regional cheeses like Toma or Fontina, and local cured meats like bresaola or salami.
Apulian Pizza (Pizza Pugliese): From the Apulia region, this pizza is typically made with a focaccia-like dough. It is topped with simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil.
Venetian Pizza (Pizza Veneziana): Found in Venice and the Veneto region, this style of pizza often has a thin and crispy crust and is topped with ingredients like seafood, such as shrimp or squid, and local cheeses like Asiago or Monte Veronese.