Canotto-Style Pizza

In the world of pizza, there are many variations, but the Canotto-style has carved out a special place in recent years. This extraordinary style, rooted in the Neapolitan tradition, delights pizza lovers worldwide. But what exactly makes the Canotto-style so special? Here, you'll learn all about the history, preparation, and secrets behind this airy pizza.

The History of the Canotto Style

The Canotto style has its origins in classic Neapolitan pizza, but there is one crucial difference: the crust. While typical Neapolitan pizza is known for its soft and slightly risen crust, the Canotto style takes it a step further. The term "Canotto" means "inflatable boat" in Italian and aptly describes the voluminous, highly inflated crust of this pizza. Pizza bakers in Naples and surrounding areas began experimenting with dough handling and rising times to achieve this special look and texture.

The Art of Dough Making in Canotto Style

The secret of the Canotto style lies in the dough preparation. The dough is fermented for a particularly long time, often over 24 hours, to loosen the structure and incorporate more air into the dough. The result: an especially light yet stable crust that is crispy on the outside and incredibly soft on the inside.

The dough preparation starts with choosing the right types of flour. It's usually a mix of Tipo 00 flour and a stronger wheat flour. It's essential that the dough absorbs enough water – the hydration level is noticeably higher than with conventional pizza. This ensures that the dough rises so significantly when baking.

The Key Ingredients for the Perfect Canotto Dough

High-quality ingredients are indispensable for the Canotto style. Here are the essential components of the dough:

• Flour: A combination of Tipo 00 and strong wheat flour provides the necessary structure and elasticity.
• Water: The high hydration level (up to 75%) ensures the dough's airiness.
• Yeast: A small amount of yeast, often fresh yeast, promotes slow fermentation that loosens the dough.
• Salt: Essential for the taste and stability of the dough.
• Time: The long fermentation time of 24 to 48 hours is key to achieving the right consistency.

Techniques that Make the Difference

In addition to ingredients, technique plays a crucial role. When folding the dough, special care is taken to trap as much air as possible. The dough is gently stretched and folded to encourage air bubbles. Shaping the pizza is done almost exclusively by hand to preserve the airy crust. The center remains thin and light, while the crust rises large and voluminous.

The Perfect Ovens for Canotto Pizzas

Choosing the right oven is crucial for baking the perfect Canotto pizza. Ovens that reach high temperatures (ideally over 450°C) are ideal for this style. Valoriani and Fontana Forni offer excellent wood and gas ovens that are perfectly suited for the Canotto style. Electric ovens like those from Izzo Forni are also known for their even heat distribution and support optimal baking time.

With the high temperatures, the pizza is baked in just a few minutes, making the crust crispy and the center soft and juicy. The oven ensures that the pizzas receive the characteristic "oven kick" – the enormous rising of the crust due to the intense heat.

Appearance and Flavor: How to Recognize a Real Canotto Pizza

What makes the Canotto style so distinctive? The crust of this pizza is impressive – high, airy, and irregularly shaped, almost like a crispy inflatable boat. This crust is not only eye-catching but also provides a very special taste experience. Crispy and golden brown on the outside, soft inside with large air pockets.

In terms of flavor, the Canotto pizza is characterized by a pleasant lightness. The combination of crispy crust and the soft, juicy core creates an unparalleled mouthfeel. The topping remains rather subtle to keep the focus on the dough and the crust.

Conclusion

The Canotto style is a modern variant of Neapolitan pizza, distinguished by its airy crust and special dough structure. Once you've tried a Canotto pizza, you'll quickly understand why it is so popular among pizza enthusiasts. With the right ingredients, the appropriate technique, and a powerful oven, it is possible to create this extraordinary pizza piece at home or in the restaurant.

For those wanting to try it, pizza-ofen.de offers suitable ovens and accessories – for authentic pizza enjoyment that is second to none!