Pinsa vs. Pizza: A Comparison of Two Italian Delicacies

June 12, 2023 Julia Haberecht
Ratgeber

Pinsa vs. Pizza: a Comparison

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its delicious dishes, and when it comes to popular classics, pizza and pinsa are at the top of the list. Both originated in Italy and have their own unique characteristics. In this article, we will draw a detailed comparison between pinsa and pizza to find out what makes these two dishes so special and what differences there are between them.

The Pizza:

Pizza is undoubtedly one of the best-known Italian dishes and has a long history. Here are some features that characterize pizza:

Dough: Pizza is made from a yeast dough that is baked into a thin, crispy crust. The dough can vary depending on the region and personal preferences. In Italy, there are different traditional pizza varieties such as Neapolitan pizza with its soft and elastic dough.
Toppings: Pizza offers an endless variety of toppings. From the classic Margherita with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil to creative variations with seafood, vegetables, or meat – the possibilities are nearly limitless. Everyone can create their own favorite pizza according to individual tastes.
Baking: Traditionally, pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven at high temperature. This gives it a crispy crust and a perfect balance between tender cheese and aromatic tomato sauce.

The Pinsa:

Pinsa is trending and is becoming increasingly popular. Here are some features that characterize pinsa:

Dough: Unlike traditional pizza dough, pinsa dough is made from a mixture of wheat, soy, and rice flour. This gives it a lighter and airier consistency. The dough is often fermented over a longer period, resulting in a pleasantly mild taste.
Shape and Toppings: Pinsa has an elongated, oval or rectangular shape and a slightly thicker crust than classic pizza. The toppings are similarly diverse as with pizza, but there is often an emphasis on high-quality ingredients such as fresh vegetables, fine cheeses, and premium meat or fish products.
Baking: Pinsa is also baked in a wood-fired oven. However, the baking time differs. A pinsa is pre-baked as a dough piece, cools down, and is then topped and fully baked. This results in a crispy crust on the outside and a tender, airy interior.

Conclusion:

Both pizza and pinsa are delicious representatives of Italian cuisine, but they differ in some important aspects. Pizza excels with its thin, crispy crust and endless possibilities for toppings. Pinsa, on the other hand, impresses with its lighter dough.