Pizza & Friends

Fried Neapolitan pizzas

⏱ 90 min🍳 10 min👤 6 pp★★★★☆

These fried Neapolitan pizzas are a very famous delicacy from the Naples region of Italy. If the pizza is native to Naples, these delicious pizzas, or ‘pizzelle’ as they are called there, are even more so. Indeed, they represent a tasty reinterpretation of the traditional pizza. You can prepare them in large quantities for children’s birthday parties, a buffet or party to which you are going to invite a number of guests. With one kilogram of flour you will be able to make a large number; if you are able to use a professional deep-fat fryer, you will save even more time.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
9g
Carbohydrates
38g
Fat
9g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
90 minutes Total time
10 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Prepare all the ingredients. Make the pizza bread dough by combining the flour, salt and water and with the help of a mixer knead the resulting dough well, having dissolved the yeast in warm water first (unless fast-action). Remember to add salt. Put the dough in a warm and sheltered place to rest and rise. When it has doubled its volume, knock it back and roll into a sheet, not too thin. Cut out thirty round disks and let them rest and rise for another half hour or so. Meanwhile prepare a fairly thick tomato sauce (if necessary, boil it lightly), adding garlic, oregano and salt. After the pizzas have rested for a second time, set the electric deep-fat fryer to 170 °C. When the oil is hot, fry the pizzas a few at a time. Pat dry with a paper towel, then place them on baking parchment. Garnish with tomato, a cube of mozzarella and oregano. Cook for 5 minutes under the grill. Serve.

Tips
Keep an eye on the oil temperature so as not to burn your pizzas. Also, when you reheat your pizzas under the grill, do so quickly to avoid drying out the mozzarella and the resulting pizzette.
Trivia
The history of ‘pizzelle’ is intimately bound up with the poorest neighbourhoods of Naples. To supplement their income, the wives of the pizza-makers prepared these little fried pizzas with scraps of dough left by their husbands. Pizzelle were then sold in the most humble neighbourhoods of the city. Often, those who bought the pizzelle could not pay right away, but only after about eight days: for this reason they were also called ‘a ogge to otte’ – ‘in eight days’ time’.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Neapolitan Fried Pizzas with Melting Mozzarella

The Neapolitan Fried Pizzas can be enriched with specific ingredients like melting mozzarella, which makes every bite even more flavorful. To prepare them, simply add a generous layer of diced mozzarella on top of the tomato sauce before frying the pizzas. This trick not only enhances the flavor but also creates a creamy texture that perfectly complements the crispiness of the fried dough. The pizzas can be further customized with the addition of other ingredients, such as black olives or peppers, to satisfy everyone's tastes. The use of high-quality mozzarella is essential to achieve a final result that will impress even the most discerning palates. The preparation remains the same, but the addition of mozzarella will make a difference, transforming a simple snack into a true party dish.

Traditional Style Neapolitan Fried Pizzas

When it comes to Neapolitan Fried Pizzas, one cannot overlook the traditional preparation typical of Campania. This method involves the use of fresh, local ingredients, enhancing the authentic flavor that characterizes these delights. The traditional recipe calls for a slow and natural rising, which gives the dough a unique lightness. After kneading the ingredients, it is important to let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a cloth, to allow it to double in volume. Once the right consistency is achieved, the discs are formed to be fried in plenty of hot oil until a perfect golden color is obtained. This type of preparation is a true ritual, often passed down from generation to generation, celebrating the Neapolitan culinary tradition and the passion for food.

Light Neapolitan Fried Pizzas without Oil

For those who desire a lighter version of the classic Neapolitan Fried Pizzas, it is possible to prepare them in the oven, avoiding the use of oil. This light variant maintains the original flavor but significantly reduces the calories. To make them, simply roll out the dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees until golden. The addition of spices like oregano and fresh basil can enhance the flavor without adding fats. Additionally, it is recommended to use light mozzarella or reduced-fat cheeses to make the dish even healthier. This preparation is ideal for those following a balanced diet or for those looking to maintain their figure without giving up the taste and tradition of Neapolitan cuisine.

Neapolitan Fried Pizzas: Benefits of Mozzarella and Calories

Neapolitan Fried Pizzas, while being a delicious dish, can also offer some nutritional benefits, especially thanks to mozzarella, one of the main ingredients. Mozzarella is a source of high-quality protein, calcium, and vitamins, which contribute to the health of bones and muscles. Moreover, it contains good fats, which can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation. Regarding calories, a serving of fried pizzas can vary between 200 and 300 calories, depending on the size and type of ingredients used. However, by opting for lighter or baked variants, it is possible to significantly reduce the caloric intake while still enjoying a good traditional dish.

Can Neapolitan Fried Pizzas be Frozen?

Many wonder if it is possible to freeze Neapolitan Fried Pizzas. The answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the pizzas after frying, once they have completely cooled. Before freezing them, it is important to arrange them on a tray in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container to preserve their freshness. When you want to enjoy them, you can reheat them in the oven or in a pan, maintaining their crispiness. This way, you can have delicious pizzas ready for any occasion without having to prepare them from scratch every time.