Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes in the world, adored for its versatility and delicious flavor combinations. Over time, various styles of pizza have evolved, influenced by regional traditions and personal preferences. One popular style that has gained significant attention in recent years is folded pizza. But what exactly is folded pizza called? The answer can vary based on the specific style or method of folding. This article will dive into the world of folded pizza, explaining the different types, their origins, and how they differ from other pizza styles. We’ll also explore the history behind the fold and how different cultures have put their own spin on this iconic dish.
Introduction
Folded pizza, as the name suggests, involves folding the pizza in some way, whether it’s to create a half-moon shape, a pocket, or a fully enclosed pie. While this technique might sound simple, it is part of a tradition that spans different pizza styles and cultural influences. The act of folding a pizza, or consuming a pizza that has been folded, can serve various purposes—such as to make it more portable, add flavor layers, or change the texture of the crust.
In this article, we will explore different types of folded pizzas, ranging from the famous calzone to regional variations like stromboli and the fold-and-eat style of New York-style pizza. We will also look at the differences between folded and traditional flat pizzas and why folding might be the preferred method in some cases. Whether you’ve encountered folded pizza in a restaurant or seen it on TV, by the end of this article, you’ll have a full understanding of what folded pizza is and the history behind it.
Different Types of Folded Pizza
There are a variety of folded pizza styles, each with distinct characteristics, origins, and names. Let’s explore the most popular ones.
1. Calzone
The calzone is perhaps the most widely recognized type of folded pizza. Originating in Naples, Italy, the calzone is essentially a pizza that is folded in half to create a pocket, which is then sealed around the edges before being baked. The calzone is stuffed with a variety of ingredients, typically including mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and a selection of meats, vegetables, and herbs. It can be served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or can be baked with sauce on the inside.
History of the Calzone
The word “calzone” comes from the Italian word for “pants” or “trouser,” referring to its folded shape. It was invented in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century. The calzone was originally a portable version of pizza, designed to be eaten on the go, similar to a sandwich. In fact, the calzone was often referred to as a “pizza pocket” or “pizza turnover” in its early days.
In Italy, calzones are often served in two variations: a smaller version often sold as street food and a larger version served at sit-down pizzerias. The calzone’s popularity spread internationally, particularly in the United States, where it became a staple of pizzerias, especially in Italian-American communities.
2. Stromboli
While the stromboli is similar to a calzone in that it is folded, there are key differences. The stromboli is more like a rolled-up pizza than a folded one. It is made by rolling up pizza dough around fillings such as cheese, pepperoni, sausage, or vegetables, creating a cylinder-shaped dish. The stromboli is then baked and served sliced into thick, satisfying pieces.
History of Stromboli
The stromboli is often attributed to Italian-American cuisine, with its origin story being less certain than that of the calzone. Some believe that the stromboli was created in the 1950s by Italian immigrants in Pennsylvania, while others argue that it was first made in Brooklyn, New York. The name “stromboli” might have been inspired by the Italian volcanic island of Stromboli, symbolizing its shape and fiery flavors.
The stromboli differs from the calzone not only in shape but also in how it is served. Unlike the calzone, which is a sealed, pocket-like structure, the stromboli is sliced into individual pieces, often served with dipping sauces on the side. Strombolis can be made with a wide range of fillings, making them a popular choice for customization and catering to various dietary preferences.
3. Pizza Roll
Another form of folded pizza is the pizza roll, which takes the concept of a stromboli but is typically much smaller and easier to eat in one bite. Pizza rolls are made by rolling dough around cheese and toppings, then baking or frying them. This style is often found in frozen pizza aisles or served as appetizers in restaurants.
While pizza rolls may not have the same grand cultural history as the calzone or stromboli, they are a popular and convenient way to enjoy folded pizza. In fact, frozen pizza rolls have become a household snack for many people, especially in the United States, due to their convenience and ease of preparation.
4. Folded New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is known for its large, thin slices that are often served folded in half to make them easier to eat. While the pizza itself is not folded during the cooking process, the act of folding a slice is a trademark of eating this style of pizza. When you purchase a slice of New York-style pizza from a pizzeria, you may notice that the pizza is often folded in half for portability and ease of consumption.
The fold serves a few purposes:
Portability: By folding the pizza, it becomes more manageable and easier to hold while eating on the go.
Texture: The fold helps to support the toppings, keeping them in place and allowing the eater to take bigger bites without the toppings sliding off.
Crispiness: The fold also makes the crust more substantial, helping to keep it crispy and sturdy as you eat the pizza.
New York-style pizza, unlike calzones and strombolis, is generally not baked folded, but instead, the fold is something that happens once the pizza is out of the oven and ready to eat. This style of pizza has become iconic in cities around the world, with many people associating the folding technique with New York’s vibrant street food culture.
5. Focaccia-Style Folded Pizza
Focaccia-style folded pizza, while less common than calzones and strombolis, involves folding soft, thick focaccia dough around a variety of fillings. The dough is thicker and more bread-like than traditional pizza dough, resulting in a fluffier and more substantial crust. Like other folded pizzas, this style can include a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
This type of folded pizza is often associated with Mediterranean and Southern Italian cuisine, where focaccia bread is a common base. The toppings are typically more modest, relying on fresh herbs, olive oil, and simple cheeses rather than heavy layers of sauce and meat.
Why Folded Pizza?
While traditional flat pizza is more common, folded pizza has gained significant popularity due to its many advantages. Here are a few reasons why people opt for folded pizza:
1. Portability
One of the main reasons folded pizza is so popular is that it is much easier to eat on the go. A folded pizza, like a calzone or stromboli, is less likely to lose toppings when you pick it up. It’s also compact, making it easier to carry, store, and even freeze for later consumption.
2. Convenience
For those looking to save time, folded pizza provides an easy solution. You can make smaller, individual portions without the need for slicing, which makes the pizza quicker to prepare and cook. Many types of folded pizza can also be eaten with one hand, making them ideal for busy individuals or street food vendors.
3. Crispy, Flavorful Crust
Because folded pizzas are often sealed and baked, the crust is often more flavorful and crispy. The pizza dough has a chance to crisp up evenly around the edges and on the bottom, leading to a satisfying texture. This is particularly true for calzones, where the crust’s edge is sealed tightly, creating a satisfying bite.
4. Enhanced Flavor Combinations
Folding the pizza allows for multiple layers of flavor. For example, in a calzone, the toppings are baked inside the crust, allowing the flavors to blend and meld together. This makes folded pizza a great option for those who prefer a more compact, concentrated flavor experience compared to traditional flat pizzas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, folded pizza encompasses several different styles of pizza, each with its unique preparation and method of folding. From the classic calzone to the stromboli, pizza rolls, and even the fold-over slices of New York-style pizza, the idea of folding pizza has captured the attention of pizza lovers around the world. Whether you’re looking for a handheld pizza experience, a way to pack in extra fillings, or simply a different take on pizza, folded pizzas offer a wide range of options to suit your preferences.
The history behind folded pizza styles such as calzones and strombolis is rich, rooted in Italian-American culinary traditions, while the fold-and-eat convenience of New York-style pizza has become a cultural icon. Regardless of which style you choose, the act of folding pizza is as much about practicality as it is about flavor. So next time you want to enjoy pizza in a new way, consider opting for a folded pizza—it’s not only delicious but also full of history and tradition.
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