Pizza bianca
Pizza is an Italian dish known worldwide for its scrumptious flavour and creamy texture. There are several types of pizza, and one of the most popular is the Pizza Bianca. The term “Bianca” is Italian for “white,” and this pizza is called so because it uses a white sauce instead of the traditional tomato sauce.
Pizza Bianca is gaining popularity among pizza enthusiasts due to its simple yet delicious nature. It comprises only a few ingredients that blend together to create a heavenly taste experience. The pizza comes out of the oven with a crispy crust, covered with a luscious white sauce and topped with different vegetables and cheese.
The history of Pizza Bianca dates back to ancient times. Pizza Bianca is commonly regarded as one of the earliest forms of pizza ever made. It originated in Rome, and has been a staple of Italian cuisine ever since. Since the pizza does not contain tomato sauce, it makes for an excellent base for savoury toppings.
The preparation of Pizza Bianca requires a few steps, but they are all simple and straightforward. The first step is to make the dough. This recipe uses a pizza dough, which consists of flour, yeast, salt, and water. Once the dough is formed, it is left to rest to allow the yeast to rise and the flavours to develop.
Meanwhile, the sauce is prepared. The white sauce for Pizza Bianca is known as Bechamel sauce. It is a simple sauce made with butter, flour, and milk. The ingredients are cooked together over medium heat, forming a thick, smooth sauce. Cheese is also added to the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Once the dough has rested, it is rolled out into the desired shape and size. The Bechamel sauce is generously spread over the pizza base, and toppings are added depending on your preference. The toppings could be anything from greens like spinach, arugula or kale, to cheese like Mozzarella, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. You could also add caramelised onions, mushrooms, and garlic for added flavour.
The pizza is then baked at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy, and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Once out of the oven, the pizza is garnished with fresh basil or parsley, a few drops of olive oil and cracked black pepper over the top.
Pizza Bianca is perfect for those looking for a lighter pizza without tomato sauce. The Bechamel sauce gives the pizza a creamy, velvety texture and creates a canvas to allow other flavours to shine through. It’s also an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions since it can easily be made gluten-free or vegan.
Overall, Pizza Bianca is a simple yet decadent pizza that is perfect for any day of the week. It’s easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser too. With its crispy crust, creamy white sauce, and delicious toppings, this pizza is sure to leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 500g plain flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried yeast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 300ml warm water
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and yeast. Mix well and form a well in the center.
- Pour the olive oil and warm water into the well and stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C.
- Roll out the dough onto a baking tray or pizza stone, creating a large oval shape.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the crust, leaving a space around the edge.
- Top with minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and rosemary if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the top is crispy.
- Remove from oven, slice and serve.