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Pizza Bianca: The Italian street food without sauce, cheese or toppings
Pizza has become a beloved dish around the world, with countless variations and styles to suit every palate. When most people think of pizza, they picture a delicious combination of sauce, cheese, and toppings on a doughy crust. However, there is an Italian street food that defies these expectations: pizza bianca.
What is pizza bianca?
The term “bianca” translates to “white” in Italian, but pizza bianca is very different from the popular notion of a white pizza, which typically includes ricotta, mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil. Instead, pizza bianca originated in Rome and is a simple yet delicious flatbread-like creation that does not include sauce, cheese, or traditional pizza toppings.
Rather than being topped with a medley of ingredients, pizza bianca focuses on the quality of its crust. Using basic ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, water and olive oil, the dough is prepared and baked to perfection. The result is a chewy and flavorful flatbread reminiscent of focaccia.
The appeal of Pizza Bianca
While it may seem unusual to enjoy a pizza without the usual toppings, Pizza Bianca has its own unique appeal. Its simplicity allows the quality of the dough to shine through, with its chewy texture and subtle flavors. Served warm and fresh from the oven, a plain pizza bianca can be a satisfying snack on its own.
But the versatility of Pizza Bianca extends beyond its simple form. There are numerous creative ways to serve and enjoy this Italian street food, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Ways to Serve Pizza Bianca
A classic way to serve Pizza Bianca is to enjoy it as is, drizzled with olive oil. This simple preparation allows the flavors of the bread to shine through and is a delightful treat for bread lovers.
At renowned establishments such as Forno Campo de’ Fiori in Rome, customers can request the size of the slice they want, which is then sliced and charged by weight. This allows for a personalized experience and ensures that each bite is as satisfying as the last.
Another popular way to enjoy Pizza Bianca is to make sandwiches. By slicing the warm flatbread horizontally, you create a pocket perfect for stuffing with a variety of fillings. A famous Italian sandwich known as “pizza e mortazza” features pizza bianca stuffed with mortadella, a type of Italian sausage. This combination has become a Roman institution, loved for its unique flavors and textures.
In addition, pizza bianca inspired the creation of the trapizzino, a triangular sandwich invented by Rome’s 00100 restaurant. The trapizzino combines the simplicity of the pizza bianca with traditional Roman ingredients, resulting in a delicious hand-held treat that has gained popularity both in Italy and abroad.
For those with a sweet tooth, pizza bianca can even be transformed into a dessert. Slice open the flatbread and fill with Nutella for a delicious sweet and salty treat. This unexpected twist on pizza bianca showcases its versatility and makes for a delightful end to a meal of this Italian street food.
Conclusion
Pizza Bianca may not resemble the typical pizza most people are familiar with, but it offers a unique and delicious culinary experience. This Roman street food showcases the beauty of simplicity, allowing the quality of the dough to be the star of the show. Enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich, or even as a dessert, Pizza Bianca is a versatile and delicious addition to the pizza world.
So the next time you’re in Italy or come across a pizzeria that serves pizza bianca, don’t hesitate to give this Italian street food a try. You might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy pizza!
FAQS
Pizza Bianca is an Italian street food that originated in Rome. It is a simple flatbread-like creation that does not include sauce, cheese, or traditional pizza toppings. Instead, it focuses on the quality of the dough and is often compared to focaccia bread.
What ingredients are used in Pizza Bianca?
Pizza Bianca is made with basic ingredients such as flour, yeast, salt, water and olive oil. These simple ingredients come together to create a chewy and flavorful crust that is the highlight of this street food.
How is Pizza Bianca served?
Pizza bianca can be served in a variety of ways. It is usually eaten plain with a drizzle of olive oil. It can also be sliced horizontally and used as a base for sandwiches, such as the popular “pizza e mortazza” stuffed with mortadella. It can even be transformed into a sweet treat by slicing it open and filling it with Nutella.
Is pizza bianca similar to white pizza?
No, pizza bianca is different from the popular notion of a white pizza. White pizza typically includes ricotta, mozzarella, garlic and olive oil as toppings. Pizza bianca, on the other hand, is traditionally served without toppings, focusing solely on the quality of the crust.
Can Pizza Bianca be used in other recipes?
Absolutely! While Pizza Bianca is delicious on its own, it can also be used in a variety of recipes. It can be sliced and used as a base for bruschetta or crostini, topped with various ingredients such as tomatoes, herbs or cured meats. It can also be used as a unique alternative to bread in sandwiches or as a base for creative flatbread pizzas.
Where can I find Pizza Bianca?
Pizza Bianca is most commonly found in Rome, Italy, where it originated as a popular street food. However, it has gained recognition and popularity in other parts of Italy and even in some pizzerias and Italian restaurants around the world. If you’re in Rome, look for local bakeries or pizzerias that specialize in pizza bianca for an authentic experience.