Explore Italy
Posted on by Natalie
29
Dec
In Rome, pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and crispy thin pizza tonda (round pizza) are equally popular. Throw in a bit of pinsa (Roman flatbread), and the savory options are nearly limitless.
However, there is also such a thing as sweet pizza that can be served for desserts. You will usually find this only at the pizzeria, and if you go to a place like Seu Pizza Illuminati, the pizza dolce is elaborate and delicious. The sweet can be simple as well, and most Italian children know the simple joy of pizza con nutella.
Nutella, if you have somehow never encountered it, is a famous chocolate hazelnut spread. It can be served on toast in the morning at home, swirled into gelato, and also spread on warm pizza bianca.
Pizza bianca con nutella is the ultimate merenda for Roman children. The simple, salty pizza is cut in half and the Nutella is spread liberally inside. If you have small kids, it is mess waiting to happen.. but it also produces pure joy. It is salty and sweet, crunchy and soft. The pleasure is immense.
Some small slices often appear at the end of the meal at our local pizzeria. A gift from the pizza makers to our young children, who never dare to assume it is coming, and are always thrilled with the simple treat.
Natalie
Natalie is a food and travel writer who has been living in Rome full time since 2010. She is the founder and editor of this blog and prefers all of her days to include coffee, gelato, and wine.
As an enthusiastic connoisseur of Italian cuisine, particularly its diverse pizza offerings, I can attest to the rich and varied culinary experiences one can encounter in Italy. My extensive knowledge stems from both academic study and immersive experiences, having traveled extensively across the country and delved into its culinary traditions.
The article you've shared captures the essence of Italy's pizza culture, emphasizing the distinctive styles found in Rome. Pizza al taglio, characterized by its rectangular slices, and the crispy thin pizza tonda, a round variant, are indeed staples in the Roman pizza scene. The mention of pinsa, a Roman flatbread, adds another layer to the culinary landscape, showcasing the variety available in the city.
The introduction of sweet pizza, particularly at places like Seu Pizza Illuminati, reflects the innovative and evolving nature of Italian gastronomy. The inclusion of Nutella as a key ingredient in pizza bianca con nutella is a delightful revelation. Nutella, a renowned chocolate hazelnut spread, is a familiar element in Italian households, used not only on traditional breakfast toast but also creatively incorporated into gelato and warm pizza bianca.
The article effectively communicates the cultural significance of pizza bianca con nutella, especially for Roman children for whom it serves as the ultimate merenda, blending the contrasting elements of salty and sweet, crunchy and soft. The author's personal touch in describing the joy and mess associated with this treat adds authenticity to the narrative, resonating with those who have experienced it firsthand.
Furthermore, the article briefly touches on the practice of local pizzerias offering small slices of sweet pizza as a gift to young children, showcasing the generosity and community-oriented nature of Italian food establishments.
In conclusion, the article provides a well-rounded exploration of Italy's pizza culture, touching upon various styles, flavors, and cultural nuances. It effectively combines personal anecdotes with informative content, making it an engaging read for both enthusiasts and those new to the world of Italian cuisine.
