Tomatoes on margherita pizza: a burning question answered!

Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed by people around the world for centuries. It is typically made with a simple combination of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. However, one question that often arises is whether or not margherita pizza should have sliced tomatoes.

History of Margherita Pizza

The origins of margherita pizza can be traced back to the late 19th century in Naples, Italy. The pizza was reportedly created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who was visiting the city at the time. The pizza’s colors were chosen to represent the Italian flag: green for basil, white for mozzarella, and red for tomatoes.

Traditional Margherita Pizza

According to the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN), the official governing body for Neapolitan pizza, a traditional margherita pizza must meet specific criteria. These criteria include:

• The dough must be made from a specific type of flour and water.
• The tomatoes must be San Marzano tomatoes.
• The mozzarella cheese must be made from buffalo milk.
• The pizza must be cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Sliced Tomatoes vs. Crushed Tomatoes

One of the key differences between traditional margherita pizza and other variations is the way the tomatoes are prepared. Traditional margherita pizza uses crushed tomatoes, which are tomatoes that have been peeled, seeded, and crushed into a smooth sauce. Sliced tomatoes, on the other hand, are simply tomatoes that have been cut into slices.

Why Crushed Tomatoes Are Preferred

There are several reasons why crushed tomatoes are preferred for margherita pizza:

• Crushed tomatoes create a more even distribution of flavor and texture throughout the pizza.
• Sliced tomatoes can release excess water, which can make the pizza soggy.
• Crushed tomatoes cook more evenly and quickly than sliced tomatoes.

Variations on Margherita Pizza

While traditional margherita pizza uses crushed tomatoes, there are many variations on the dish that use sliced tomatoes. These variations are often found in pizzerias outside of Italy. Some popular variations include:

• Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella: This variation uses fresh mozzarella cheese instead of buffalo mozzarella.
• Margherita pizza with roasted tomatoes: This variation uses roasted tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
• Margherita pizza with sun-dried tomatoes: This variation uses sun-dried tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.

Wrap-Up: The Verdict on Sliced Tomatoes

So, does margherita pizza have sliced tomatoes? The answer is: traditionally, no. However, there are many variations on margherita pizza that do use sliced tomatoes. Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to use sliced tomatoes is up to the individual pizza maker.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: What is the difference between margherita pizza and marinara pizza?
A: Margherita pizza has mozzarella cheese and basil, while marinara pizza does not.

Q: What is the best type of tomato to use for margherita pizza?
A: San Marzano tomatoes are the best type of tomato to use for margherita pizza.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese on margherita pizza?
A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese on margherita pizza, such as fresh mozzarella or provolone.

Q: Can I add other toppings to margherita pizza?
A: Yes, you can add other toppings to margherita pizza, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or onions.

Q: How do I make margherita pizza at home?
A: Here is a simple recipe for making margherita pizza at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
• Olive oil, for greasing the pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
2. Grease a 12-inch pizza pan.
3. Stretch or roll out the pizza dough to fit the pan.
4. Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with basil leaves.
8. Serve immediately.