OUR FAVOURITE AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PIZZA TOPPINGS

Italy is world famous for pizza. With simplicity at its core, it’s easy to see why so many of us have taken to creating our own versions. However, nothing compares to an authentically Italian original with fresh and delicious ingredients. Once you’ve tried a pizza made to an authentic recipe, you’ll find nothing else quite tops it.

Originating in 16th century Naples, a popular flatbread named the Galette was sold as street food. Made with simple ingredients of dough, olive oil, herbs and spices, this was first referred to as a pizza (or pie in Italian). Whilst Naples remains the capital of Pizza to all Italians, this humble food remains a simple pleasure that plays center to many of life’s occasions, from the everyday to special celebrations. And when paired with BIRRA MORETTI or MORETTI ZERO in the company of family and friends you simply can’t go wrong.

With a world of toppings to choose from, we’ve selected the most popular in Italy for you to try at home. Each use only a handful of ingredients, all you need to decide on are the flavours that perfectly satisfy your tastebuds.

1. Margherita

The true beginner’s pizza. The recipe was widely believed to have been perfected in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito for the visit of Queen Margherita, using the three tricolore ingredients of the Italian flag – tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. This is one of Italy’s best culinary tricks, keeping things simple by using a small selection of fresh ingredients. The Margherita is commonly the base for other pizza topping creations.

2. Quattro Staggioni

As the name suggests, Quattro Staggioni divides the pizza into ‘four seasons’. Similar to a Capricciosa, the four hero toppings are mushrooms, artichokes, olives and prosciutto. Splitting them into four quarters allows each topping a taste moment of its own. The rule of four is common in Italian pizzas - why not also try Quattro Formaggi with mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina and parmigiano, or innovate your own with the cheese you have at home.

3. Pizza Pesto Genovese

This alternative pizza leaves tomatoes on the vine in favour of using the famously green Pesto Genovese sauce as a base. If you’re feeling ambitious the sauce is easy to make at home with the right ingredients. For the pizza itself, simply spread the Genovese onto the dough, place large slices of mozzarella di bufala, and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

4. Frutti di mare

There’s nothing quite as versatile as pizza and this one fittingly brings two taste combinations together. This impressive seafood pizza allows you to pick your preferred fruits of the ocean. Freshly caught from the Adriatic Sea, we like to add shrimps, mussels and squid, seasoned with garlic and parsley. Pass by your local fishmongers’ and create your favourite seafood pizza platter.

5. Ortolana

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the Ortolana uses the tastiest seasonal vegetables, roasted prior to topping for optimum flavour. With tomato and mozzarella forming the base, add peppers, aubergines and courgettes, finished with a dusting of oregano. For a vegan-friendly option, simply remove the mozzarella.

6. Pizza e fichi

A topping that divides Italians’ opinion, until you taste it. Figs are known for their sweet, honeyed taste and subtle hints of berry. Home grown in the warmer seasons of Italy, they provide a unique and different taste when added to pizza. We recommend using the Pizza Bianca as a base, which simply uses olive oil and salt in place of tomato sauce. Top with garlic, mozzarella, rosemary and then figs for a pizza like no other.

7. Ricotta e spinaci

One of Italy’s finest food pairings is ricotta and spinach and when melted on pizza it creates a luscious, creamy texture that leaves everyone wanting more. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, oregano and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

8. Prosciutto e funghi

Using the Margherita recipe as a base, add portobello mushrooms and slices of prosciutto cotto for a different flavour. If that’s not enough, reach for the mascarpone for additional creaminess, and drizzle the decadence with truffle oil.

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Pizzas made the Italian Way | Birra Moretti