Distinct Characteristics That Set One Pizza Apart from Another

Pinsa, a contemporary Italian culinary creation, is quickly gaining popularity for its unique flavour and health benefits. Unlike traditional pizza, the original recipe for pinsa uses a combination of wheat flour and sourdough, along with various types of flour such as rice, spelt, or soy flour.

The dough for pinsa is made with pizza flour, type 00 or 550, yeast, sourdough, salt, olive oil, and cold water. Interestingly, pinsa dough contains less yeast and oil than its pizza counterpart, contributing to a lower calorie count.

The dough is refrigerated for 24 to 72 hours before being divided and shaped into flat oval discs. After this, the shaped dough is allowed to rise at room temperature for another two hours. Pinsa is pre-baked in a hot oven before adding desired toppings.

The long fermentation time of pinsa dough (up to three days) makes it more digestible than classic pizza. After pre-baking, the pinsa is adorned with a variety of toppings, catering to both sweet and savoury palates.

For sweet adventures, the BZfE suggests apple slices with cinnamon and sugar, goat cheese with caramelized pears, or dark chocolate with a hint of chili as toppings. On the other hand, the BZfE suggests seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, anchovies, antipasti, various cheeses, ricotta, hummus, or pesto as savoury toppings.

The recommended pre-baking temperature for pinsa is 230-250°C. Once baked, the crust becomes crispy, offering a delightful contrast to the array of flavoursome toppings.

It's important to note that the recipe for Pinsa was invented by an Italian businessman in modern times. Contrary to popular myths, Pinsa was not baked by Romans in the 1st century AD. Instead, the actual development of its history is tied to this recent entrepreneurial invention in Italy.

While the recipe for making pinsa dough at home is not provided in the text, the unique blend of ingredients and the lengthy fermentation process make this dish a fascinating exploration for any food enthusiast. Whether you're seeking a healthier pizza alternative or a culinary adventure, pinsa is definitely worth a try.