Pizza is one of the world’s most beloved dishes, providing comfort and warmth to both children and adults alike. But what exactly is it? Is pizza a pie or something else entirely? In this blog post, we’ll explore the history behind pizza, compare it to other classic pies, and examine why the debate has raged on for so long – ultimately finding an answer to whether or not pizza should truly be considered a pie.
Whether you’re just curious about this beloved food item or looking for some answers in regard to culinary traditions, you’ll definitely learn something new here! So grab a slice of your favorite pizza (or another type of pie!) And let’s get started.
What is a Pizza?
A pizza is a flat, round bread typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients such as vegetables, pepperoni, sausage, and anchovies. The dough used to make the crust can vary depending on the type of pizza being made. It can be thin or thick and sometimes even stuffed.
Pizza can be traced back to ancient Greece, where flatbreads were topped with herbs, cheese, and oil. This type of bread was eaten by the Greeks as early as 600 BCE.
During the 16th century in Naples, Italy, pizza began to take on new shapes and forms. Toppings such as tomatoes and cheese were added, and the dish gained popularity throughout the country.
Today, pizza is enjoyed around the world in many different forms. Whether it be a classic Margherita or something more creative like a Hawaiian pizza, there is no shortage of delicious variations to enjoy.
What is Pie?
A pie is a type of pastry dough filled with a sweet or savory filling such as fruit, nut, meat, or vegetables. Pies can be either baked or unbaked depending on their filling and the type of crust used. Pies are an ancient dish with a long history in many cultures around the world.
The traditional American pie is typically made with a bottom crust and a top crust. The filling is usually sweet but can also be savory, depending on the type of pie being prepared. Popular American pies include apple, pumpkin, cherry, pecan, and peach.
The original pie was most likely a savory dish that originated in ancient Egypt. It is believed to have been made with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables enclosed in a pastry crust. Over the centuries, pies have evolved into many different variations using various ingredients for both sweet and savory fillings.
So Is Pizza a Pie?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Technically speaking, pizza is not a traditional pie. While it does contain some of the same ingredients as pies, such as dough and various toppings, pizza does not use pastry dough and is usually served in slices rather than wedges.
However, many people do consider pizza to be a type of pie due to its popularity and versatility. After all, pizza can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, just like a traditional pie. So whether you consider pizza to be a pie or not is entirely up to you!
What is the Difference Between Pizza and Pie?
Tastes
Pizza and pies have different flavors depending on the type being prepared.
Pizzas are usually savory with a variety of toppings such as tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, sausage, anchovies, and other ingredients.
Pies, on the other hand, are typically sweet with fillings such as fruit or nuts.
Textures
The textures between pizza and pie also differ. Pizzas are usually thin or thick-crusted while pies can be either baked or unbaked depending on the filling.
Ingredients
Ingredients used in pizzas and pies also vary significantly. Pizza is typically made with dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings while pies are usually filled with a sweet or savory filling such as fruit, nuts, meat, or vegetables.
Toppings
Pizzas are usually topped with a variety of savory ingredients while pies can be topped with anything from whipped cream to the crumbly streusel.
Nutrition
Pizzas and pies can differ significantly in nutritional value depending on the ingredients used. For example, a typical cheese pizza has more calories, fat, and sodium than an apple pie.
The type of dough used
Pizza dough is typically made from bread flour, yeast, water, and salt, while pastry dough is usually made from butter, lard, or shortening along with flour and other ingredients.
Cooking
Pizza also tends to be cooked in an oven at a much higher temperature than a pie. This gives the pizza a crispier texture and a smoky flavor, which is not usually found in pies.
Types of Pizza
There are many different types of pizza, each with its own characteristics. Here are some common types:
- Neapolitan: Generally made with a thin crust and simple tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Chicago-style deep dish: A thick-crust pie filled with lots of cheese and other toppings.
- New York-style thin crust: A thin and crispy pizza with a classic tomato sauce.
- Calzone: A stuffed pizza filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and other toppings.
- Focaccia: A flatbread-style pizza usually topped with olive oil, herbs, and cheese.
- Stuffed crust: A pizza with a thick crust filled with cheese or other toppings.
- White Pizza: Generally made without any tomato sauce and topped with garlic, olive oil, cheese, herbs, and other ingredients.
Whether you prefer the classic Neapolitan or something more creative like a Hawaiian pizza, there is no shortage of delicious variations to enjoy.
Types of Pies
Just like pizza, there are many different types of pies to suit all tastes. Here are some popular varieties:
- Apple Pie: This classic pie is made with a flaky crust and filled with sweet apples and spices.
- Cherry Pie: Filled with tart cherries, sugar, and a buttery crust.
- Lemon Meringue Pie: A creamy lemon custard topped with fluffy meringue.
- Pecan Pie: Popular in the southern United States, a sweet and nutty pie made with a buttery crust and toasted pecans.
- Banana Cream Pie: Topped with banana slices and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Cheesecake: A creamy dessert made from cream cheese, eggs, and sugar.
- Pumpkin Pie: A seasonal favorite made with a buttery crust and spiced pumpkin filling.
- Blueberry Pie: Deliciously tart, this classic pie is made with a crumb topping and juicy blueberries.
- Key Lime Pie: A Florida favorite, this tangy dessert features a graham cracker crust and rich lime filling.
These types of pies are just a few of the many delicious varieties available. Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, there’s sure to be a type of pie that satisfies your cravings!
How To Make a Pizza
Making your own pizza at home is a fun and easy way to enjoy this classic dish. Here are the steps you need to follow to make a delicious pizza:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the dough by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Gradually add warm water to the mixture until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin and place it on an oiled baking sheet.
5. Spread your desired toppings, such as tomato sauce, cheese, and vegetables.
6. Bake the pizza in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Slice and serve!
Related: How to heat pizza in oven
How To Make a Pie
Making a homemade pie is just as easy and rewarding as making pizza. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the crust by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 6 tablespoons of cold butter in a food processor. Gradually add cold water to the mixture until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2 minutes, then roll it out with a rolling pin and place it in an oiled pie dish.
4. Fill the pie with your desired filling, such as apple slices or pumpkin puree.
5. Cover the top with a lattice or crumble topping and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Let it cool before slicing and serving!
Traditional Pie Crusts
- Pie crusts come in all shapes and sizes, from flaky to shortcrust. Here are the three most common types of pie crust:
- Shortcrust Pastry: A dense dough made with butter, flour, salt, and cold water that’s best for sweet pies.
- Flaky Pastry: Made with butter and lard, this type of crust is more delicate and best for savory pies.
- Puff Pastry: Similar to flaky pastry, only made with layers of butter and flour that create a light, airy texture.
Varieties of Pizza Crusts
Just as there are many types of pies, so to are there endless varieties of pizza crusts. Here are some popular options:
- Thin Crust: The classic choice, this thin, crispy crust is made with a simple combination of flour and water.
- Deep-Dish Crust: Popular in the United States, this type of crust is made with a thick layer of dough and takes longer to bake.
- Stuffed Crust: This style of pizza features a stuffed dough that encases an inner layer of cheese, herbs, or other tasty ingredients.
- Sourdough Crust: Made with a sourdough starter for a tangy flavor and chewy texture.
Why do they call pizza a pie?
Despite not being traditional pies, pizza and other flatbreads are commonly referred to as “pies”. The term likely originates from the Greek word “pitta”, which was a type of flatbread served with various toppings. Over time, the term evolved into “pie” and is now used to refer to all flatbread dishes.
The similarities between the two extend beyond just their physical appearance – both dishes require baking in the oven, can come in a variety of flavors, and can be enjoyed as either a main course or a snack. So next time you’re enjoying a slice of pizza, remember that you’re actually eating a type of pie!
Conclusion
To wrap up, now you can answer to the question: Is pizza a pie? Pizza can be considered a type of savory pie given its doughy pasta base and toppings, but others might argue that it cannot be classified as a true pie due to its ability to stand on its own.
Making your own pizza and pie at home is both rewarding and delicious. There are many varieties of each, from thin crusts to sourdough bases, so you can experiment with different flavors and textures. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian pizza or an all-American apple pie, these dishes will be sure to satisfy your cravings. With a few simple steps, you too can become a master of homemade pizza and pie!
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FAQs
Is pizza a sandwich or a pie?
Pizza is typically classified as a pie due to its flatbread base and variety of toppings. However, some people may consider pizza to be a sandwich due to the combination of bread and fillings that are eaten in one bite. Ultimately, it depends on the individual’s interpretation.
Do Italians refer to pizza as pie?
Yes, Italians often refer to pizza as a pie. The term ‘pizza’ originates from the Italian word ‘pizzicare’, which means to pinch or pluck. This refers to the way in which dough is pinched and shaped into a round shape before baking. Additionally, pizzas can be stuffed or topped with various ingredients, much like pies.
Is A cheesecake a pie or cake?
Cheesecake is typically considered to be a type of pie. Unlike cake, which is usually light and fluffy, cheesecakes have a thick and dense texture similar that of pies. Additionally, they are often served with a crust made from graham crackers or other cookie crumbs. However, some people may consider cheesecake to be more of a cake due to its light and creamy texture. Ultimately, it is up to individual interpretation.
Does pizza crust have yeast?
Yes, most pizza dough recipes call for the use of active dry yeast or instant yeast in order create a light, airy texture. However, some types of pizza crusts may not require the use of yeast, such as those made with puff pastry or sourdough starter. The type of crust used will depend on the recipe and desired end result.
Is pizza called tomato pie?
Yes, pizza is sometimes referred to as tomato pie in the United States. This term likely originated from Italian-American immigrants who used this phrase to describe their dishes. It is still used today to refer to traditional-style pizzas that include a tomato sauce base and other toppings. No matter what you call it, pizza remains one of the most popular and delicious dishes around!
Is pizza technically a cake?
No, pizza is not technically a cake. Cakes are typically made with flour, sugar, eggs, and other sweet ingredients while pizzas are traditionally made with dough, sauce, cheese, and other savory toppings. Additionally, cakes are usually light and fluffy while pizzas tend to have a thicker texture. Therefore, it is generally accepted that pizza is a type of pie rather than a cake. However, sweet pizzas such as those made with fruit and cream cheese may be considered to be more like cakes due to their sweeter flavors.
What is technically a pie?
Technically, a pie is a baked dish that contains a filling inside of either a pastry or bread-based crust. The fillings can be made with savory ingredients such as meats and vegetables or sweet ingredients like fruits and custards. Pies are usually round in shape, but they may also come in other shapes such as squares and rectangles. Common types of pies include apple, cherry, and pecan.
Do we say bake a pizza?
Yes, when making a pizza at home it is common to say “bake a pizza” or “bake the pizza”. This phrase can be used to refer to both baking homemade pizzas in an oven as well as reheating store-bought pizzas. Additionally, when referring to professional pizzerias and restaurants, the phrase “cook a pizza” may be used.