Pizza Romana, or Roman-style pizza, is a thin-crust pizza that hails from the culinary traditions of Rome, Italy. This classic pizza is characterized by its crispy, thin crust and minimal yet flavorful toppings. Here’s how to recreate this iconic dish at home.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- 1 can (14 oz) of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions
1. Preparing the Pizza Dough
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting, typically around 475-500°F (245-260°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a thin, round or rectangular shape, according to your preference.
2. Making the Tomato Sauce
- In a bowl, crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand to create a rustic sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil, then set aside.
3. Assembling the Pizza
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomato sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Grate the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the mozzarella.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pizza.
4. Baking the Pizza
- Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
5. Finishing Touches
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the hot pizza for a burst of aromatic flavor.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the pizza to add a spicy kick.
Enjoying the Pizza
Slice the Pizza Romana into generous portions and serve it hot, allowing the simplicity of its flavors and the crispy texture of the crust to shine through. This Roman-style pizza is a wonderful representation of traditional Italian pizza-making and is sure to delight your taste buds.
Perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this Pizza Romana recipe captures the essence of Roman culinary heritage and is a fantastic addition to any homemade pizza repertoire
