Beyond Italy: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of International Pizza Styles
Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, with its roots deeply embedded in the heart of Italy.
While Italian pizza styles like Neapolitan and Sicilian are celebrated classics, there exists a treasure trove of lesser-known international pizza styles waiting to be discovered.
From the aromatic spices of Lahmacun to the savory pancake delights of Okonomiyaki and the rustic elegance of Pizza Bianca, these international variations offer a tantalizing journey for pizza enthusiasts.
Join us as we explore these hidden gems of global cuisine and discover how Authentic Pizza Ovens' wood-fired pizza ovens can elevate your pizza-making experience.
Lahmacun: The Turkish Culinary Masterpiece
Originating from Turkey, Lahmacun is a culinary masterpiece that delights the senses with its rich flavors and aromatic spices.
Often referred to as Turkish pizza, Lahmacun features a thin, crispy crust topped with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, tomatoes, parsley, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices.
Lahmacun Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Thin pizza dough or lavash bread
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Authentic Pizza Oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the ground lamb or beef, chopped onion, tomatoes, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
3. Divide the pizza dough into individual portions and roll out into thin circles.
4. Spread a generous amount of the meat mixture evenly over each pizza dough circle.
5. Place the Lahmacun in your preheated wood-fired pizza oven and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are cooked through.
5. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and parsley.
With Authentic Pizza Ovens' wood-fired pizza ovens, you can achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness in your Lahmacun, while infusing it with a delightful smoky flavor that transports you to the streets of Istanbul.
Okonomiyaki: Japan's Savory Pancake Sensation
Okonomiyaki, often referred to as "Japanese pizza" or "savoury pancake," is a beloved staple of Japanese cuisine.
This savory pancake features a batter made of flour, grated yam, shredded cabbage, eggs, and various toppings such as thinly sliced pork, seafood, green onions, and bonito flakes.
Okonomiyaki Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dashi stock (or water)
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 4 slices bacon or thinly sliced pork belly
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup tenkasu (tempura scraps)
- Okonomiyaki sauce
- Japanese mayonnaise
- Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)
- Katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Authentic Pizza Oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, dashi stock, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add the shredded cabbage, green onions, and tenkasu to the batter and mix until well combined.
4. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
5. Pour a portion of the batter onto the griddle and spread it into a circle.
6. Place slices of bacon or pork belly on top of the batter.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve hot with okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, aonori, and katsuobushi.
Pizza Bianca: Italy's Rustic Elegance
Pizza Bianca, meaning "white pizza" in Italian, is a simple yet elegant variation of the traditional pizza. It features a thin, crispy crust brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, allowing the quality of the dough to shine through.
Pizza Bianca Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Authentic Pizza Oven to 500°F (260°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough into a thin circle.
3. Brush the dough with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle sea salt over the oiled dough.
5. Place the Pizza Bianca in your preheated wood-fired pizza oven and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot and enjoy the rustic elegance of Pizza Bianca.
As we journey beyond Italy, we uncover a world of diverse and delectable pizza styles waiting to be explored.
From the rich flavors of Lahmacun to the savory delights of Okonomiyaki and the rustic elegance of Pizza Bianca, each international variation offers a unique culinary experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of global cuisine.
With Authentic Pizza Ovens' wood-fired pizza ovens, you can bring these hidden gems to life in the comfort of your own home, creating unforgettable memories with every slice.
Embrace the spirit of culinary adventure and elevate your pizza-making prowess with Authentic Pizza Ovens. Bon appétit!
Related Reads:
- Authentic Pizza Ovens
