Hand-tossed pizza is a classic type of pizza that has been loved by pizza lovers for generations. It is known for its soft and chewy crust that is made by tossing the dough in the air by hand, instead of using a rolling pin or a machine. This technique is not only an art but also a skill that takes practice and patience. It allows the pizza crust to form into a round shape, giving it a perfect texture, from soft on the inside to slightly crisp on the outside.
The tradition of hand-tossed pizza dates back to Italy, where pizza was first created. Over time, it has become a popular choice for pizza lovers around the world, especially in the United States. Hand-tossed pizza has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from other types of pizza, such as thin-crust, deep-dish, and pan pizza. In this article, we will explore what hand-tossed pizza is, how it is made, and why it remains one of the most beloved pizza styles.
The History of Hand-Tossed Pizza
The history of hand-tossed pizza can be traced back to the origins of pizza itself. Pizza, as we know it today, has its roots in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Initially, pizza was a humble food made by street vendors, using basic ingredients like flatbread, tomatoes, cheese, and other toppings. The dough for these early pizzas was stretched by hand to achieve the desired size and shape. This method of stretching and tossing the dough became the foundation for the hand-tossed pizza we enjoy today.
The practice of tossing the pizza dough by hand allowed the dough to expand evenly while maintaining its soft and airy texture. This process also gave the pizza crust its characteristic texture: chewy and slightly crispy at the edges, while soft and tender in the middle. Hand-tossing became a signature technique of pizza makers, especially in the United States, where it gained popularity after World War II.
The Characteristics of Hand-Tossed Pizza
Hand-tossed pizza has several defining characteristics that set it apart from other types of pizza. These include its crust, texture, shape, and cooking method.
The Crust
The crust of a hand-tossed pizza is typically thicker than that of a thin-crust pizza but not as thick as a deep-dish or pan pizza. It has a chewy texture that is achieved through the process of hand-tossing the dough. The dough is stretched by tossing it in the air, which causes it to expand evenly and develop a light, airy texture. The result is a crust that is soft and tender on the inside but crisp and golden on the outside.
The Texture
The texture of hand-tossed pizza is one of the most notable aspects of this pizza style. The hand-tossing technique ensures that the dough is evenly stretched, giving it a uniform thickness. This results in a crust that is slightly chewy and soft in the center, with a crispy outer layer. The balance of texture is what makes hand-tossed pizza so satisfying to eat.
The Shape
Unlike pan pizzas, which are typically made in a deep dish or pan to achieve a square or rectangular shape, hand-tossed pizza is usually round. The round shape is achieved by tossing the dough in the air and rotating it, which helps it spread evenly. This technique also ensures that the crust is not too thick or too thin, providing the perfect balance of texture.
The Cooking Method
Hand-tossed pizza is usually cooked in a traditional brick oven or a modern pizza oven. The pizza is placed directly on the oven’s hot surface, allowing the crust to cook evenly and become crispy. The high heat of the oven helps the crust achieve its golden color while also ensuring that the toppings cook perfectly.
The Dough: The Heart of Hand-Tossed Pizza
The dough is the most important component of hand-tossed pizza. It must be made with the right ingredients and prepared in the correct way to achieve the perfect texture and taste. The basic ingredients of pizza dough include flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes olive oil or sugar.
Flour
Flour is the foundation of pizza dough. For hand-tossed pizza, it is best to use high-protein flour, such as bread flour. This type of flour has a higher gluten content, which gives the dough its chewy texture. The flour is mixed with water, yeast, and salt to form a dough that is smooth and elastic.
Yeast
Yeast is responsible for making the dough rise. When yeast is combined with water and sugar, it produces carbon dioxide, which causes the dough to expand. The yeast needs time to work, so the dough is typically allowed to rise for a period of time before it is stretched and tossed.
Water
Water is necessary to hydrate the flour and activate the yeast. The amount of water used in the dough will affect its texture. Too much water can make the dough too sticky, while too little can make it dry and hard to work with. The water should be at the right temperature to activate the yeast without killing it.
Salt and Olive Oil
Salt adds flavor to the dough, while olive oil contributes to the dough’s tenderness and texture. Some recipes also include a small amount of sugar to help the yeast activate more quickly.
The dough is mixed and kneaded until it is smooth and elastic. After kneading, the dough is allowed to rise, which helps it develop its flavor and texture. Once the dough has risen, it is ready to be stretched and tossed.
The Art of Tossing Pizza Dough
Tossing the pizza dough is a skill that takes practice. The dough must be stretched evenly to ensure the crust has a consistent thickness. Here’s how the dough is tossed:
Start with a Ball of Dough – The dough is divided into small portions, usually weighing around 200-300 grams, to make individual pizzas.
Flour the Surface – A lightly floured surface helps prevent the dough from sticking. This also allows the pizza maker to handle the dough more easily.
Press and Stretch – The dough is gently pressed into a flat disc, starting from the center and working outward. The goal is to stretch the dough without tearing it.
Tossing – The dough is then lifted and tossed in the air. The pizza maker rotates the dough as it spins, which helps it expand evenly. The tossing motion allows the dough to stretch without using a rolling pin.
Shaping – Once the dough has been tossed, it is gently stretched by hand to form a perfect round shape. The edges of the dough are slightly thicker than the center, giving the pizza its signature crust.
Tossing the dough by hand is not only an effective way to stretch the dough, but it also gives the pizza its unique texture. The tossing process creates air pockets in the dough, which results in a light and fluffy crust that is perfect for holding toppings.
Hand-Tossed Pizza vs. Other Pizza Styles
There are many different styles of pizza, and hand-tossed pizza is just one of them. To better understand what makes hand-tossed pizza unique, let’s compare it to other popular pizza styles:
Thin-Crust Pizza
Thin-crust pizza has a very thin and crispy crust. It is typically made with less dough and is rolled out using a rolling pin or a machine. The dough is stretched out to a very thin layer, resulting in a crust that is much crunchier than hand-tossed pizza. While thin-crust pizza can be delicious, it lacks the soft, chewy center that makes hand-tossed pizza so satisfying.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza is known for its thick, buttery crust and high edges. It is made in a deep dish, which gives the pizza a pie-like shape. The crust is much thicker than hand-tossed pizza, and it is more like a buttery bread than a traditional pizza dough. Deep-dish pizza is baked at a lower temperature and for a longer time, which allows the thick crust to cook through. While deep-dish pizza is indulgent, it is quite different from the lighter, airier crust of hand-tossed pizza.
Pan Pizza
Pan pizza is similar to deep-dish pizza, but it is cooked in a slightly shallower pan. The crust is still thick and soft, but it tends to be a bit crispier than deep-dish pizza. Pan pizza is often greasier, as the dough is cooked in oil, which gives the crust a crunchy exterior. Unlike hand-tossed pizza, which has a chewy texture, pan pizza’s crust is denser and less airy.
Why is Hand-Tossed Pizza So Popular?
Hand-tossed pizza has remained a favorite among pizza enthusiasts for many reasons. Its combination of a soft, chewy center and crispy edges is simply irresistible. Here are a few reasons why hand-tossed pizza is so popular:
Balanced Texture
The hand-tossing technique ensures that the pizza crust is perfectly balanced – soft on the inside with just the right amount of crispness on the outside. This balance makes each bite of hand-tossed pizza satisfying.
Customization
Hand-tossed pizza is highly customizable. The dough can be topped with a variety of ingredients, from traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella to more creative options like barbecue sauce, meats, vegetables, and cheeses. The crust serves as a perfect base for any combination of toppings.
Tradition
Hand-tossed pizza has a rich history that connects it to the origins of pizza itself. Many people enjoy the nostalgic experience of eating a pizza made using traditional methods. Whether it’s from a local pizzeria or a homemade creation, hand-tossed pizza feels authentic and classic.
Satisfying Flavor
The dough used in hand-tossed pizza has a slightly yeasty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pizza. The crispy crust, combined with the flavors of the toppings, creates a delicious and satisfying experience.
Conclusion
Hand-tossed pizza is a timeless pizza style that combines skill, tradition, and flavor. Its characteristic crust, which is both soft and slightly crispy, is made through the art of tossing the dough by hand. The technique allows for an even distribution of air pockets, resulting in a pizza that is light, airy, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re enjoying a classic margherita, a meat lover’s delight, or a veggie-packed creation, hand-tossed pizza provides the perfect base for a wide range of delicious toppings. It remains one of the most popular and beloved styles of pizza, cherished by pizza enthusiasts around the world. The next time you enjoy a hand-tossed pizza, remember the skill and tradition that goes into making it, and savor every bite of its perfect crust and toppings.
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