In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history of Greeks pizza, explore how it differs from other styles, and offer insights into how it has evolved over time. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or just looking to try something new, Greek pizza offers a delicious and intriguing alternative to the classic Italian version.
A Historical Perspective: Pizza Before It Was “Pizza”
To fully appreciate Greek pizza, we need to go back to the ancient world. Greece has been home to bread and flatbread traditions for millennia, long before the advent of modern pizza. In fact, the Greeks were making flatbreads topped with ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, and cheese as early as 600 BCE. These flatbreads, called plakous (πλακοῦς), were often baked in communal ovens, and their toppings varied depending on what was available in the region.
While these ancient Greek flatbreads aren’t what we would recognize as pizza today, they did lay the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the Greeks pizza we enjoy now. The plakous of ancient Greece may have shared similarities with the Italian focaccia, and like focaccia, it served as a versatile base for various toppings.
Greek Influence on Italian Pizza
Interestingly, the Greeks also had a hand in shaping Italian pizza. When Greek settlers arrived in the southern Italian region of Naples during the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, they brought their flatbread-making techniques with them. Over time, these practices influenced the culinary traditions of the area, contributing to the development of the Italian pizza we know today.
The fusion of cultures and culinary traditions in this region created a fertile ground for experimentation with ingredients and cooking methods. Tomatoes, which originated in the Americas and didn’t reach Europe until the 16th century, became a crucial ingredient in Italian pizza. Still, the Greek influence remained evident in the way the dough was prepared and topped.
The Birth of Modern Greeks Pizza
Fast forward to the 20th century, and Greeks pizza had begun to take on a form distinct from its Italian counterpart. While Italian pizza often features a thin, crisp crust, Greeks pizza is known for its thicker, chewier base. This is achieved through the use of olive oil, which is incorporated into the dough, giving it a moist and somewhat cake-like texture. The crust of Greeks pizza is typically baked in a pan rather than directly on a stone, which further distinguishes it from the wood-fired Neapolitan style of pizza.
Greeks pizza as we know it today gained prominence in the United States during the 1950s, thanks to Greek immigrants who brought their culinary traditions with them. These immigrants, many of whom opened pizzerias, began experimenting with their native flatbread recipes, combining them with the pizza culture that was already flourishing in America. The result was a fusion of Greek and Italian influences that created a whole new pizza style.
Characteristics of Greeks Pizza
While Greeks pizza shares some similarities with traditional pizza, it has several distinct characteristics that set it apart. Here are some of the key features that make Greeks pizza unique:
1. The Crust
Greeks pizza is characterized by its thick, spongy crust, which is quite different from the thin, crispy bases found in Neapolitan or Roman pizzas. This crust is created using a generous amount of olive oil in the dough, which gives it a slightly dense, yet airy texture. The crust is often baked in a shallow pan, allowing it to become golden and slightly crispy on the bottom while remaining soft and chewy on the inside.
2. Toppings
While traditional Italian pizzas tend to focus on simplicity, with a few high-quality ingredients, Greeks pizza often features more generous toppings. These can include a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, spinach, and olives, as well as meats like gyro meat, sausage, or ham. Greek pizza is also known for incorporating feta cheese, a hallmark of Greek cuisine, alongside or in place of the more commonly used mozzarella.
3. Sauce
The sauce used on Greek pizza is often thicker and more heavily seasoned than the simple tomato sauces found on Italian pizzas. Oregano, garlic, and a variety of Mediterranean herbs and spices are commonly used to give the sauce a robust flavor profile. In some variations, the sauce may be replaced or supplemented with ingredients like olive tapenade or a garlic-infused olive oil base.
4. Cheese
While mozzarella is the standard cheese for most pizzas, Greek pizza often incorporates other cheeses, especially feta. The tangy, crumbly texture of feta complements the richness of the olive oil-infused crust and the Mediterranean-inspired toppings. In some cases, a combination of mozzarella and feta is used, providing both the melty texture of mozzarella and the distinctive flavor of feta.
How Greeks Pizza Stands Out
So what makes Greeks pizza so special? It’s not just the unique combination of ingredients, but the entire approach to creating the pizza. Greek pizza is more rustic and hearty than many other styles, with a focus on rich flavors and satisfying textures. The use of olive oil in both the dough and the toppings adds depth and complexity, while the variety of vegetables and meats ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
In many ways, Greek pizza reflects the broader culinary traditions of Greece, where meals are often communal, hearty, and full of bold flavors. Just as Greek cooking emphasizes fresh ingredients and robust seasoning, Greek pizza embodies these same principles. It’s a pizza that invites sharing, conversation, and enjoyment.
Variations of Greeks Pizza
While there is a general template for Greeks pizza, the dish is far from monolithic. Just as there are countless variations of Italian pizza, Greeks pizza comes in many forms depending on the region and the individual chef. Here are some popular variations:
1. The Traditional Greeks Pizza
This version typically includes a generous helping of feta cheese, black olives, sliced red onions, and a sprinkling of oregano. Some variations may also include sliced tomatoes and bell peppers, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Greek cuisine.
2. Spinach and Feta Pizza
One of the most popular Greek-inspired pizzas, this version focuses on the classic Greek combination of spinach and feta. The spinach is usually sautéed with garlic and olive oil before being added to the pizza, which also features a blend of feta and mozzarella cheeses. This pizza is often topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg or oregano to enhance the flavors.
3. Gyro Pizza
A fusion of two beloved Greek dishes, gyro pizza combines the flavors of the traditional gyro sandwich with pizza. Slices of seasoned lamb or chicken are placed on top of the pizza along with tzatziki sauce, red onions, tomatoes, and feta cheese. The result is a unique and flavorful pizza that offers a true taste of Greece.
4. Seafood Pizza
Given Greece’s long coastline and rich tradition of seafood, it’s no surprise that seafood often makes its way onto Greek pizza. Popular toppings include shrimp, calamari, and anchovies, often paired with a garlic and olive oil base instead of tomato sauce. This type of pizza is particularly popular in coastal regions and islands.
How to Make Greeks Pizza at Home
Making Greeks pizza at home is a great way to experiment with new flavors and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup tomato sauce (seasoned with garlic, oregano, and thyme)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Sliced black olives
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced bell peppers
- Fresh oregano for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the salt, sugar :flour, and yeast. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until the dough forms a cohesive mixture.Knead the dough for 7 minutes, until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Grease a large pizza pan with olive oil and stretch the dough to fit the pan, ensuring that the edges are slightly thicker than the center.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Spread the seasoned tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese
- Add your desired toppings, such as olives, onions, and bell peppers. Finally, add the cheese on top.
- Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh oregano before serving.
Conclusion
Greek pizza is more than just a variation of a beloved dish—it’s a culinary tradition with deep roots in Greek history and culture. Whether you’re drawn to its thick, olive oil-infused crust, its generous toppings, or its bold Mediterranean flavors, Greek pizza offers a unique and delicious alternative to more familiar pizza styles.
Next time you’re in the mood for pizza, why not try making your own Greek pizza at home? With its rich history and diverse ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your pizza repertoire