The Perfectly Spicy and Delicious Diavola Pizza

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes around the world, and there are countless variations to choose from. For those who crave a spicy kick, diavola pizza is the perfect choice. This fiery and delicious pizza is topped with spicy salami, chili peppers, and other ingredients that tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore the history of diavola pizza, its key ingredients, how to make it step-by-step, wine pairings and sides that complement it, tips for enjoying it, and some variations on the classic recipe.

The History of Diavola Pizza

Diavola pizza has a rich history that dates back to Italy. Let’s explore its origins and how it became popular worldwide.

Origins in Italy

The name diavola means “devilish” in Italian, which is fitting for this spicy style of pizza. The origins of diavola pizza are said to come from Campania, a region in southern Italy known for its bold and hearty cuisine. The recipe often features spicy salami, which is a staple ingredient in the region’s charcuterie.

Legend has it that a Neapolitan pizzaiolo (pizza maker) invented the diavola pizza in honor of the queen of Naples, Margherita of Savoy. The pizza was inspired by the colors of the Italian flag, with red tomato sauce, white mozzarella cheese, and green basil leaves. The pizzaiolo added spicy salami to the pizza, earning Margherita’s approval and sparking a new trend.

The Spread of Diavola Pizza Worldwide

Diavola pizza gained popularity over time and eventually made its way around the world. In many countries, it’s known as the “Diablo” pizza or simply the “spicy pizza.” Today, it’s a favorite among people who love bold flavors and a little heat in their food.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Diavola Pizza

Diavola pizza is a classic Italian dish that’s known for its spicy salami and fiery flavor. It’s a favorite among pizza lovers around the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the essential ingredients that make diavola pizza so special. From pizza dough to salami, we’ll look at everything you need to create a top-notch pizza.

The Perfect Pizza Dough

The foundation of any great pizza is the dough. For diavola pizza, you’ll want to use a recipe that creates a thin and crispy crust that can hold up to the weight of the toppings. A mixture of bread flour and all-purpose flour will create the perfect texture. You can add a pinch of sugar to the dough to help activate the yeast and create a flavorful crust.

When you mix the dough, be sure to knead it thoroughly to develop the gluten. This will give your crust a chewy texture when cooked. Let the dough rise for at least an hour before stretching it into a round shape. You can also experiment with different types of flour to create a unique flavor and texture for your crust.

Choosing the Right Tomato Sauce

The tomato sauce is an essential component of any pizza, and diavola is no exception. Opt for a high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes. Both varieties have a high acidity, which complements the spiciness of the salami and chili peppers. Mix the tomatoes with a pinch of salt, sugar, and olive oil to create a delicious and flavorful base for the pizza.

You can also experiment with different types of tomato sauce, such as a spicy arrabbiata sauce or a creamy tomato sauce. The key is to find a sauce that complements the spicy salami and adds depth of flavor to the pizza.

Selecting the Best Spicy Salami

The star ingredient in diavola pizza is spicy salami, which adds a rich and bold flavor to every bite. Look for a high-quality salami that’s made with fennel seeds and plenty of hot pepper flakes. When you slice the salami, be sure to make them thin so they cook thoroughly in the oven.

You can also experiment with different types of salami, such as soppressata or pepperoni. The key is to find a salami that’s spicy and flavorful, without overpowering the other toppings on the pizza.

The Role of Cheese in Diavola Pizza

Mozzarella cheese is a common choice for the cheese topping on diavola pizza. You can use either fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella, depending on your preference. The cheese should be shredded onto the pizza in small amounts, leaving some space for the other toppings.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or gorgonzola. The key is to find a cheese that complements the spicy salami and adds richness to the pizza.

Adding the Right Amount of Heat with Chili Peppers

The spiciness of diavola pizza comes from the chili peppers. You can use either fresh or dried chili peppers, depending on what’s available to you. Slice them thinly and spread them over the pizza to add a kick of heat to every bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chili peppers to find the perfect level of spiciness for your palate.

You can also add other spicy ingredients to the pizza, such as red pepper flakes or hot sauce. The key is to find a balance between the spicy ingredients and the other toppings, so that the pizza is flavorful and enjoyable to eat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Diavola Pizza

Now that we’ve covered all the essential ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making diavola pizza.

Preparing the Dough

First things first, let’s prepare the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.

Next, gradually add 1 1/4 cups of warm water to the mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little more water.

Once the dough has formed, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it for 10-12 minutes. Kneading the dough helps to develop the gluten, which is what gives the pizza crust its chewy texture.

After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a dish towel. Let it rise for at least an hour, or until it has doubled in size. While the dough is rising, you can start preparing the toppings.

Preparing the Toppings

For the diavola pizza, you’ll need spicy salami, tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can buy these ingredients pre-made, or you can make them from scratch.

If you’re making the tomato sauce from scratch, start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it has thickened.

For the spicy salami, you can use any type of cured meat that has a little kick to it. Some good options include pepperoni, soppressata, or chorizo. Slice the salami into thin rounds and set it aside.

Assembling the Pizza

Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 475°F. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s thin and round. Place the dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet.

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Add thin slices of spicy salami over the tomato sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza.

If you want to get creative, you can add additional toppings to the pizza. Some good options include sliced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.

Baking the Perfect Diavola Pizza

Now it’s time to bake the pizza. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle chili pepper flakes over the top. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious diavola pizza!

Pairing Diavola Pizza with Wine and Sides

Diavola pizza is a spicy and flavorful pizza that originated in Italy. The name “diavola” means “devil” in Italian, and it’s fitting for this pizza because of its fiery taste. The pizza is typically made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, spicy salami, and chili peppers.

When it comes to pairing wine with diavola pizza, it’s important to choose a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors of the pizza. A full-bodied red wine is the perfect choice, as it can help to cut through the spiciness of the pizza and create a well-balanced pairing. A Chianti or Barbera are both great options to consider.

Wine Pairings for Spicy Pizza

Chianti is a red wine that comes from the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. It’s a dry wine with medium-high acidity and tannins, which makes it a great pairing for spicy foods like diavola pizza. The wine has a fruity flavor with hints of cherry and plum, which can complement the tomato sauce on the pizza.

Barbera is another red wine that pairs well with spicy pizza. It’s a wine that comes from the Piedmont region of Italy, and it has a high acidity that can help to cut through the spiciness of the pizza. The wine has a fruity flavor with hints of blackberry and raspberry, which can complement the spicy salami on the pizza.

Side Dishes to Complement Diavola Pizza

When it comes to side dishes, there are a few options that can complement the flavors of diavola pizza. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil is a great option to consider. The peppery flavor of the arugula can complement the spicy flavors in the pizza, and the lemon juice can help to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Another great option is roasted vegetables tossed with herbs and garlic. The vegetables can add some earthy flavors to the meal and balance out the spiciness of the pizza. You could roast some bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant and toss them with some fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, as well as some minced garlic.

Overall, diavola pizza is a delicious and spicy pizza that can be paired with a full-bodied red wine and some flavorful side dishes. Whether you choose Chianti or Barbera, and whether you opt for an arugula salad or roasted vegetables, you’re sure to enjoy this flavorful meal.

Tips for Enjoying Your Diavola Pizza

Diavola pizza is a spicy and flavorful pizza that originated in Italy. It is made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, spicy salami, and chili peppers. Here are a few tips to make the most out of your diavola pizza experience:

Serving Suggestions

Diavola pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. The heat from the oven will help to melt the cheese and bring out the flavors of the spicy salami and chili peppers. When the pizza is ready, slice it into large slices and serve it on a large platter. This will allow your guests to easily grab a slice and enjoy it with their favorite beverage.

Offer your guests a small bowl of chili pepper flakes on the side so they can add additional heat to their liking. This will also give them the opportunity to customize their pizza to their preferred level of spiciness.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover diavola pizza, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh. Place the pizza in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to reheat the pizza, there are a few different methods you can use. One option is to place the slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Another option is to reheat the pizza in a skillet on the stove. This will help to crisp up the crust and bring the cheese back to its gooey, melted state.

Overall, diavola pizza is a delicious and spicy pizza that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, these tips will help you make the most out of your diavola pizza experience.

Variations on the Classic Diavola Pizza

Diavola pizza is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The name “diavola” means “devil” in Italian, which is fitting for this spicy pizza. Traditionally, diavola pizza is made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and spicy salami. However, there are many variations of this popular dish that can suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Gluten-Free Diavola Pizza

For those who are on a gluten-free diet, there’s no need to miss out on the deliciousness of diavola pizza. You can easily replace the wheat flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend, such as almond flour or chickpea flour. These flours will give the crust a slightly different texture, but the toppings will still be just as flavorful. You can also experiment with different gluten-free pizza crust recipes until you find the one that’s perfect for you.

When it comes to toppings, you can still use the classic diavola pizza toppings of tomato sauce and spicy salami. However, you can also add other ingredients to the pizza to make it more interesting. For example, you could add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even pineapple to the pizza. These toppings will add extra flavor and texture to the pizza, making it even more delicious.

Vegan Diavola Pizza

If you’re following a vegan diet, you can still enjoy the spicy goodness of diavola pizza. Simply omit the cheese and replace the spicy salami with vegan pepperoni or your favorite plant-based protein. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the pizza to add some extra flavor and texture. These toppings will also provide some additional nutrients to the pizza, making it a healthier option.

When it comes to the crust, you can use a traditional pizza crust recipe that doesn’t contain any animal products. Alternatively, you can experiment with different vegan pizza crust recipes until you find the one that’s perfect for you. Some popular vegan pizza crust options include cauliflower crust or quinoa crust.

Diavola Pizza with Additional Toppings

If you want to experiment with other toppings on your diavola pizza, go for it! There are so many delicious ingredients that can be added to a diavola pizza to make it even more flavorful. For example, you could add sliced black olives, roasted garlic, or even shrimp to the pizza. Just be sure to balance out the flavors so that the spiciness of the pizza doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

When it comes to the crust, you can use a traditional pizza crust recipe or experiment with different crusts until you find the one that’s perfect for you. Some people prefer a thin crust, while others prefer a thicker crust. You can also experiment with adding different herbs and spices to the crust to give it some extra flavor.

Overall, diavola pizza is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or just looking to try something new, there’s a diavola pizza variation that’s perfect for you.

Conclusion

Diavola pizza offers a bold and spicy twist on the classic pizza recipe. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can make a perfect diavola pizza that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re enjoying it with a glass of wine or adding your favorite toppings, this pizza is sure to please anyone who loves bold and flavorful food.