When it comes to “Pizza”, it is often said that “one slice is never enough.” This Italian culinary delight is one of the most popular dishes all across the globe, especially in the US, where Pizza is almost like a dietary staple and the favourite evening snack of Americans. As a matter of fact, research suggests that 350 pizza slices are eaten in the US every second.
Statistics also show that more than 40% of US residents eat Pizza at least once a week. Pizza is popular for its unique and delicious taste, along with various variations and preparations. From a variety of doughs made to prepare a pizza to a wide range of recipes and a variety of toppings, Pizza is one of the most versatile food items as well.
Now, a very important and common question asked by pizza lovers as well as people trying to make their pizzas is:
“What Makes The Best Pizza?”
Before going into the ingredients that make for the perfect Pizza, including the best variations in the dough and the toppings, we need to understand why Pizza is so popular amongst people across the globe.
The Reasons Behind The Popularity Of Pizza
According to research, it is seen that human beings, by their innate nature, are more attracted to food items that are fatty, rich, complex, and/or sweet. Pizza as a food item comes with all these components. The primary component of the delectable food item is cheese, which is fatty. Then comes the meat toppings, which make for richness, and the sauce adds to the sweetness factor to it.
Not just that, pizza toppings also contain a compound known as glutamate. This compound is also found in various other food items, including cheese, pepperoni, tomatoes, and sausages. When the glutamate hits the tongue, it excites the brain and also induces the brain to crave more of it. This is what makes our mouths water when anticipating the next bite of the Pizza.
Other reasons why Pizza is so delicious is because of the combinations of ingredients used and the fact that ingredients turn brown while cooking in the oven, which is due to caramelization and another chemical reaction known as the “Maillard reaction” that makes any food item more delicious.
The Winning Recipe For The Best Pizza
Food as delicious as Pizza needs some specific ingredients to deliver that paradisal culinary experience. Here are the key ingredients and a winning recipe that makes for the best Pizza.
- Store-bought dough or homemade dough
- Tomato Sauce Topping
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Basil Leaf
- Dried Oregano
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese/Ricotta Cheese
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Spicy Pepperoni Slice
You may need some or all of these ingredients based on the kind of topping you prefer. Whatever it is, if done right, these ingredients will make for the best Pizza. There can be a wide range of other variations and preparations when it comes to Pizza, but these are the basic ingredients that are needed in almost all of them.
