Pizza is a dish of Italian origin, consisting of a flat, round dough base topped with tomatoes, cheese, and often other ingredients, which is then baked in an oven. The word “pizza” is thought to derive from the Latin word pix, meaning “point,” referring to the fact that early pizzas were often cooked over an open fire, and the word picea, meaning “blackening,” referring to the charring that often occurred on the bottom of the pizza from the high heat. The first recorded use of the word “pizza” in English dates back to a 1743 translation of a book written by Italian physician Giovanni Maria Lancisi.
Pizza has a long and complex history, with its roots tracing back to ancient times. The early history of pizza is often shrouded in myth and legend, making it hard to determine the truth. It is believed that pizza was first invented in Naples, Italy and that the first pizzeria in the world was founded there in 1738. Pizza became increasingly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among working-class Italians who could not afford more expensive meals. In 1889, pizza was introduced to the United States by Italian immigrants who opened pizzerias in New York City and other cities with large Italian populations.
Pizza has become a global phenomenon, with different regions of the world putting their own unique spin on the dish. In Italy, pizza is typically thin and crispy, with a simple topping of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. In the United States, pizza is often thicker and doughier, with a variety of toppings that can include anything from pepperoni and sausage to pineapple and ham. In Japan, pizza is often topped with fish, such as tuna and eel, and in India, it is common to find pizzas topped with spicy chicken or lamb.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pizza toppings, and new combinations are being created all the time. Here are five of the most unique pizza toppings from around the world:
1. France: Foie gras
Foie gras is a French delicacy made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. It is a luxurious ingredient that is often used in fine dining, and it is not surprising that it has made its way onto a pizza. This rich and decadent topping is usually paired with a sweet ingredient, such as a drizzle of honey, to balance out the flavors.
2. Italy: White truffle
Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground, and they are prized for their intense and earthy flavor. White truffles are the most prized and expensive type of truffle, and they are often used as a luxurious ingredient in high-end dishes. They are typically shaved over the top of a pizza after it has been cooked, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
3. Japan: Octopus
Octopus is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and it is often served grilled, fried, or in sushi. It is not surprising that it has also found its way onto a pizza, where it provides a chewy and slightly sweet contrast to the other toppings.
4. United States: Lobster
Lobster is a luxurious ingredient that is often associated with fine dining, but it has also become a popular pizza topping in the United States. It is usually paired with a creamy sauce, such as Alfredo, and it can also be topped with other seafood, such as shrimp or crab.
5. United Kingdom: Cornish pasties
Cornish pasties are a type of turnover that is typically filled with meat and vegetables. They are a popular snack in the United Kingdom, and they have also been adapted into a pizza topping. The pasties are usually placed on top of the pizza before it is baked, and they add a hearty and filling element to the dish.