Pizza again!!

The origin of the word pizza is unclear but it appears to have become a part of the medieval latin vernacular by 997.  It was originally a baker's tool - a dough that was used the verify the temperature of the oven.

During the 16th Century in Naples a flat Galette was referred to as a pizza.  It was considered a dish of the poor people and was sold on the street.  It was not considered a kitchen recipe for a long time.

The innovation that gave us the pizza as we know it today was the tomato.  Tomato was brought to Europe from the Americas in the 16th Century - Europeans were reluctant to try the tomato as they thought it was poisonous - (it belongs to the nightshade family of fruits - of which some are poisonous).  Prior to this pizza was traditionally covered with white sauce.

By 1889 we began to see the introduction of cheese and the beginnings of the pizza as we know it was born!

Today there are so many different varieties of pizza - where ever there is a flatbread you have a form of pizza - and the toppings - well you are only limited by your imagination!

Last night I made an Indian inspired Pizza

Chicken and Capsicum Naan Bread Pizza


1 red capsicum - roasted and skin removed - cut into thin strips
1 BBQ chicken - meat removed and shredded
Garlic and coriander naan bread
1/3 cup mango chutney
fresh coriander
natural yoghurt

Roast your capsicums under a grill until the skin blackens and blisters.  Leave to cool and then peel skin away.

Spread the naan bread with the chutney.  Top with chicken and capsicum strips.  Bake for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden.

Garnish with coriander leaves and dollops of natural yoghurt.

I thought it was pretty good - but the M.O.T.H (Man Of The House) thought is needed cheese!!

The second pizza was more traditional - although I used lebanese bread as the base.

Ham & Chicken Bocconcini Pizza

Lebanese bread
tomato paste (mixed with BBQ sauce)
Ham
Chicken
Roasted cherry tomatoes - halved
mediterranean style marinated bocconcini cheese
mozzarella

The cherry tomatoes were grilled along side the capsicum until the skin was blistered and black.  They were placed cut side down then grilled.

Spread the lebanese bread base with the tomato paste and BBQ sauce.

Top with ham, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and bocconcini that has been pulled apart.  Top with a small amount of mozzarella.  Bake for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden.

And there you have it - another Sunday Pizza Night in our house!!!