Explore the roots of Neapolitan pizza with the classic Marinara, a rustic and flavor-packed delight that traces back to the 1700s when Neapolitan sailors transformed their simple bread into a flavorful meal using tomatoes and herbs during long sea voyages. Over time, this delightful creation made its way to the bakeries, giving birth to the pizza alla marinara, aptly named for its mariner-style origins. Embracing the true essence of simplicity, the traditional pizza alla marinara is adorned with just pureed tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil—no cheese needed. To elevate the flavors, we roast the garlic to infuse it with a mellower profile. Although this pizza can be divided into six slices, it is traditionally served whole, as a delightful meal for a single individual in Naples and throughout Italy. Prepare to indulge in the authentic taste of the sea with our flavorful Marinara pizza, lovingly crafted to take you on a culinary journey through the heart of Neapolitan tradition.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (9-ounce/255-gram) ball Napoletana Dough
- Flour, for dusting
- ¾ cup (200 grams) Napoletana Tomato Sauce
- 3 Roasted Garlic Cloves
- Fine sea salt
- Extra virgin olive oil in a spouted container, for drizzling
- Dried oregano, for dusting
PREPARATIONS:
- Prepare a wood-fired oven or ready your home oven as instructed.
- Follow the instructions on this page for Wood-Fired Oven Baking or Home-Oven Broiler Method to prepare the dough.
- Spoon the tomato sauce onto the center of the dough. Using the back of the spoon in a circular motion and working outward from the center, spread the sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Space the roasted garlic cloves evenly around the pizza.
- Sprinkle the pizza lightly with salt. Then, working from the center outward, drizzle a spiral of extra virgin olive oil (about 1½ teaspoons) over the surface.
- Bake the pizza as directed for Wood-Fired Oven Baking or Home-Oven Broiler Method.
- Transfer the pizza to a cutting board, dust the top with oregano, and drizzle with a bit more oil. Cut into 6 wedges.
YIELD:
- One 12-inch Marinara pizza; approximately 6 slices.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Ensure garlic cloves are completely covered in oil for roasting.
TIPS:
- For a mellow garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before using.
- Serve the pizza whole, as is traditionally done in Naples and Italy.
In a world filled with elaborate toppings and gourmet creations, the Marinara pizza stands as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and tradition. As the roots of Neapolitan pizza, it evokes the spirit of the mariners who first embraced the flavors of tomatoes and herbs during their long voyages. With each bite, you embark on a culinary journey through time, relishing the flavors that captivated the sailors and inspired a timeless classic.
The essence of the Marinara pizza lies in its pure form—just a delightful blend of tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. By roasting the garlic, we add a touch of warmth to this mariner-style delight, elevating it to a new level of indulgence.
In Naples, this pizza is often served whole, offering a fulfilling meal for a solitary diner—a tradition that echoes through generations. Whether you share it with loved ones or savor it alone, the Marinara pizza connects you to the heart and soul of Neapolitan heritage.
As you savor this rustic creation, imagine the humble beginnings of pizza alla marinara, prepared by skilled hands and passed down through the ages. Each slice becomes a tribute to the culinary craftsmanship and traditions that have shaped the world of pizza.
The Marinara pizza is a timeless masterpiece—a reminder of the power of simplicity in creating extraordinary culinary experiences. It invites you to slow down, savor the flavors, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Neapolitan cuisine.
So, the next time you enjoy a Marinara pizza, let it be a celebration of tradition and authenticity—a homage to the mariners and bakers who crafted this culinary gem. Allow the flavors to transport you to the streets of Naples, where the scent of fresh basil and the aroma of roasted garlic fill the air, embracing you in the warmth of true Italian hospitality.
As you take your last bite, savor the memory of this culinary journey, and remember that even in a world of complex flavors, the simplicity of the Marinara pizza endures as a timeless symbol of Neapolitan heritage.
