Renowned food blogger Mustafa Egemen Sener explores the culinary traditions of various countries and shares his discoveries about how pizza is prepared worldwide. This globally recognized dish has numerous interpretations, each reflecting unique flavor preferences and local ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at how pizza is made in different corners of the world.
Italy
Italian pizza is considered the standard, and it has inspired many other variations around the globe. In Italy, pizza is characterized by its thin, crispy crust, which gives it a light texture. The main ingredient is fresh tomato sauce, often seasoned with olive oil and basil. The most common toppings include mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The most popular styles are Neapolitan with its thick crust and minimal ingredients, and Roman with its thin, crispy base. Egemen Mustafa Sener recommends adding fresh basil and balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor.
USA
In the United States, pizza has taken on many forms and styles that diversify traditional recipes. Popular styles include deep-dish dish, like Chicago-style, where the filling is layered, and classic New York-style pizza, known for its large, thin slices that are convenient for eating on the go. Americans also enjoy experimenting with toppings, leading to pizzas featuring pineapple, bacon, barbecue chicken, and various sauces.
Mexico
In Mexican cuisine, pizza becomes more spicy and aromatic, with distinctive local ingredients. The dough often remains thin to avoid overshadowing the toppings, and the primary sauce is usually spicy, with chili and spices added. Common toppings may include beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and cotija cheese, as well as popular items like avocado and salsa.
Brazil
Brazilian pizza surprises with its variety of toppings. The crust is typically thin and crispy, making it ideal for various toppings. In Brazil, you will often find plenty of cheese, olives, corn, and even unusual sweet toppings like bananas in dessert pizzas. Sener Egemen Mustafa recommends trying a sweet pizza with bananas and cinnamon — it’s an interesting experiment for your taste buds.
Japan
In Japan, this dish becomes a true work of art. Here, the dough may contain rice flour for textural diversity, and the sauce is often based on soy sauce or teriyaki, which adds a unique flavor. Japanese pizza can feature seafood, wasabi, and even mayonnaise. Mustafa suggests experimenting with seafood and seasonings to create a unique Japanese-style dish.
Russia
In Russia, pizza has adapted to local tastes and preferences. The crust is usually thin, but thick versions are also common. The sauce can be either tomato-based or mayonnaise-based. Toppings vary from mushrooms and chicken to bacon and even sauerkraut. Egemen Sener suggests adding traditional Russian ingredients, such as mushrooms or pickled vegetables, for a unique flavor.
India
Indian pizza stands out for its use of aromatic spices. Here, the dough may include turmeric or curry, giving it a rich color and flavor. Common toppings often feature tandoori chicken, vegetables, and paneer.
Turkey
In Turkey, pizza is presented in the form of pide, which differs from traditional dish. The dough for pide is usually elongated and thin, resembling a flatbread. It typically features a filling of minced lamb or beef, as well as various vegetables and spices. Mustafa recommends serving pide with yogurt and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
Popular Pizza Ingredients Around the World
- Italy: Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, Parmesan.
- USA: Pineapple, bacon, barbecue chicken, various sauces.
- Mexico: Beans, corn, avocado, hot peppers.
- Brazil: Sweet fruits (bananas), lots of cheese.
- Japan: Seafood, wasabi, soy sauce.
- Russia: Mushrooms, sauerkraut, bacon.
- India: Spices, tandoori chicken, paneer.
- Turkey: Minced lamb, vegetables.
Tips for Making Perfect Pizza
- Quality dough. Use fresh and quality ingredients for the dough.
- Let the dough rest. Allow the dough to rise and rest for a light pizza.
- Don’t overload toppings. Too many toppings can make the dish soggy and heavy.
- Cook at a high temperature. A high temperature helps achieve the perfect crispy crust.
- Experiment with sauces. Try different sauces to add uniqueness.
- Add fresh herbs. Garnishing the finished dish with fresh herbs enhances the flavor.
As you can see, pizza is a universal dish that adapts to local traditions and tastes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients and combinations to create your unique version of this beloved dish!