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There is no better feeling in the world than a pizza box in your lap. Isn’t it? Be it movie binging sessions, throwing a party for loved ones, success celebrations, birthday extravaganza or anything special – a pizza fits all these moments, just the right way. I’m sure you must be living by this line which is ‘keep your friends close and your pizza closer.’ Aakhir kyun na ho, pizza mein hi toh zindagi ka asli maza hai! As this discussion goes ahead, let me get you acquainted with how this ‘mood lifting food’ came into existence and got popular in no time. 

The word ‘pizza’ comes from the Latin word pinsa which means ‘to flatten out,’ pretty much referring to the shape. However, the Italian term pizza means a ‘pie.’ Today, some of the most popular pizza toppings include pepperoni, pineapple, mushrooms, jalapenos and more. 

Evolution of pizza 

The first pizza was introduced by Italian Chef Raffaele Esposito. He created and designed it to honour Queen Margherita who paid a visit to Naples in the year 1889. He made an Italian flag along with colours which were made with ingredients like cheese (white), basil (green) and tomatoes (red). 

1522: The first pizza 

The first pizza was very basic and prepared using tomatoes in the yeast dough. The tomatoes were then brought to Europe. The soldiers used to feast on pizzas in their get-togethers.  

1905: First pizza outlet in New York City 

The first New York Style Pizza outlet opened in the city by Gennaro Lombardi. The toppings were tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, which were considered in the traditional category. The manner of eating was by folding the slices into halves since it was cumbersome to consume it owing to the considerable size.    

1943: Chicago Deep Dish  

The Chicago Deep Dish Pizza came into the picture. It was named so owing to its flaky crust, which rose an inch or more above the plate. It also had some deep piles of toppings.

1950: Pizza in limelight! 

It was during this year that pizza was actually getting noticed. Liked by Italian celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Joe DiMaggio to the point that they used to gobble up the entire pizza given to them. 

1960-2000: Pizza, for convenience! 

American’s went bonkers over pizza and found it to be very convenient. They perceived it as a food that could be eaten along with family especially during hectic days of work. This led to the birth of pizza chains as a trending fast food option. 

Pizza facts

• ‘Louis XIII’ from Salerno, Italy created by Renato Viola is the most expensive pizza in the world. It’s worth $12,000!  

• Women are twice as likely to order vegetables on their pizza as men! 

• In 2001, a 6-inch pizza was supplied to the International Space Station. 

Have a mouthful of pizza now!

Craving for some tasty bites of pizza? I understand that by reading so much about this super loved food, hunger pangs must have knocked your belly. So, why wait? Here’s one version for you that will bowl you over instantly. Serve it steaming hot and don’t forget to savour with your loved ones.

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Stuffed-Pizza-Sanjeev-Kapoor-Kitchen-FoodFood.html. 

Not to forget, a special desi version with the very favourite seasonal greens. Yes, there exists a Makki Ki Roti Sarson Ka Saag Pizza and its all things fab. Try it!

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Makki-Ki-Roti-Sarson-Ka-Saag-Pizza-KhaanaKhazana.html. 

Last but not the least, another fusion one with my personal favourite – butter paneer! https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/BUTTER-PANEER-PIZZA---skk.html