Hello, Lykkers! Today we are going to see how to make Pizza fritta, a beloved Italian street food, that hails from the bustling streets of Naples! This delightful dish, often referred to as the "poor man's pizza", was a staple when ingredients were scarce and ovens weren't available in every home.

Therefore, street vendors would fry these stuffed dough pockets to create a crispy, golden treat that is both comforting and delicious​. Now, let's check how Italians have been doing it for decades!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes (plus additional time for dough rising about 3-6 hours)

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Dough

- 500 g flour (use a mix of 0 and Manitoba flour)

- 300 ml water

- 3 g fresh yeast

- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

- 11 g salt

- 1/2 tsp sugar

For the Filling

- 350 g ricotta cheese

- 300 g mozzarella, well-drained

- Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying

- 1 liter sunflower or peanut oil

Step-By-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough:

Mix the flour with the yeast dissolved in warm water in a large bowl, then add olive oil, salt, and sugar, and knead until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rise for at least 3 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling:

Drain the ricotta and mozzarella to remove excess moisture and mix them in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.

3. Forming the Pizza Fritta:

Divide the risen dough into small balls (about 160-180 g each). On a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle, place a generous spoonful of the filling on one half of the circle, then fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.

4. Frying:

Heat the oil in a deep pan to around 180°C (350°F). Fry the pizzas in batches, making sure they are fully submerged. Cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side, drain on paper towels, and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

A serving of pizza fritta can contain around 500 calories, making it a hearty option best enjoyed in moderation.

Pizza fritta's fame was immortalized in the classic Italian film "L'Oro di Napoli," where a scene depicts a young Sophia Loren selling these tasty treats. This dish represents the resourcefulness and culinary creativity of Neapolitan street food culture, offering a taste of history with every (highly caloric) bite​. So, why not bring a slice of Naples into your kitchen and try making pizza fritta at home?