Fried pizza, also known as “pizza fritta” in Italian, originates from Naples, Italy. The recipe for pizza fritta has been passed down through generations of Neapolitan families and has become a popular street food dish in Naples. It is essentially a pizza that has been deep-fried in a pan, rather than baked in the oven. This gives it a delicious crispy crust on the outside and a soft, doughy center on the inside.
To make fried pizza in the Neapolitan style, you will first need to prepare a traditional pizza dough. This involves mixing flour, yeast, salt, olive oil, and water and kneading the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. Once your dough is ready, you should allow it to rest and rise for a few hours.
To prepare the filling for your fried pizza, you can use a range of ingredients such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, mushrooms, and olives. However, you could also try experimenting with different flavors, such as spicy salami, pesto, or fresh basil leaves. It’s up to you to decide what toppings best complement the deep-fried crust.
When your dough has risen, you can start preparing your fried pizzas. Begin by dividing your dough into small balls they should be around the size of a tennis ball. On a floured surface, use your hands to stretch out the dough into a thin circle. Place your chosen toppings in the center of the circle, leaving around half an inch for the edges of the dough.
Once you have added your toppings, fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges of the dough together to seal in the filling. You can then carefully place the folded pizza into hot oil (around 350-375F) and fry until it is golden brown and crispy. It should only take a few minutes to fry each side of the pizza.
Once your pizzas are cooked, remove them from the pan and blot off any excess oil with a paper towel. You can then serve your delicious Neapolitan fried pizza immediately, with some fresh basil leaves or grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
In conclusion, fried pizza according to the Neapolitan recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for an evening meal or party snack. With its crispy crust and tasty fillings, it is sure to impress your friends and family and become a favorite recipe in your household. So, why not give it a try? You might just discover a new favorite pizza recipe!