A baked crust covered with tomato paste or puree, with or without diced tomatoes added, cheese, and other top-pings such as sausage (pepperoni), mushrooms, peppers, etc.
The word pizza is often said to mean pie in Italian, probably because a pizza is pie-shaped and because its name happens to begin with the same two letters as pie. However, the Italian word for pie is torta, while the word pizza simply means pizza. In origin, the word pizza seems to have developed from an Old Italian word meaning sharp point, the connection being that pizzas are usually made with piquant or “sharp” sauces. From the same source as pizza, the Italian phrase a la pizzaiola also developed, a phrase attached to any dish served with a tart sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and garlic. One more Italian word that developed from the same source as pizza is the Italian verb pizzicare, meaning to pluck or to pinch sharply; the past participle of this verb is pizzicato, a musical direction that tells the string players to pluck their instruments rather than bow them. This musical term was adopted by English in the 1880s, fifty years before the appearance in English of pizza.
This type of pie is made using a dough base that is spread with a rich and savory tomato sauce, topped with an ample amount of mozzarella cheese, and finished with a variety of toppings such as sausage and mushrooms. Baked to perfection, this delectable dish is a beloved staple of Italian cuisine and has become a popular choice among food enthusiasts worldwide. Whether enjoyed as a main course or as a party appetizer, this pizza is sure to satisfy the taste buds and leave a lasting impression on those who partake.
The pita, a diminutive Middle Eastern bread, exhibits a distinctive structure. Despite its yeast-based composition, the pita assumes a flattened and circular form. Notably, it encompasses a unique “pocket” feature, serving as a vessel for delectable fillings.