National Dish Italy: Pizzette Montanare (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Pizzette Montanare, the little fried pizzas that have been winning hearts across the hills of Campania for generations! Crisp on the outside, light and airy within, these bite-sized treats are crowned with a glossy spoonful of tomato sauce, melting mozzarella and a scattering of fresh basil. They make brilliant party food and a moreish snack, and bring a true taste of Italy straight to your table.
About Pizzette Montanare
Pizzette Montanare are a much-loved Italian speciality with roots in the picturesque hills of Campania. These small, crisp pizzas are as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate, and they look wonderful on any table. They are most often served as a snack or an appetiser, making them perfect for parties or relaxed evenings with friends. Thanks to their airy dough and generous toppings they can be varied endlessly to suit your taste, offering a broad palette of flavours.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250g flour
- 150ml water
- 10g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil, for making the dough
- Tomato sauce
- Fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves
- Pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for pizzette montanare it really pays to seek out fresh, high-quality ingredients. Ideally the flour should be type “00”, as it gives the dough a fine, delicate structure. The yeast should be fresh too, so the dough rises beautifully. For the toppings, fresh tomatoes and good mozzarella are especially worth tracking down, as they deliver the best flavour. A good Italian deli, much like the one you might raid for a Burrata con Pomodorini, is the perfect place to start.
Preparing the dish
For the preparation of pizzette montanare to run smoothly, it helps to have everything ready before you begin. Start by making the dough, dissolving the yeast in lukewarm water. While the dough rests, you can prepare the toppings, cutting the mozzarella into small pieces and having the tomato sauce close at hand. Fresh basil leaves add not only flavour but also a lovely finishing touch to the cooked pizzas.
Step-by-step instructions
- Tip the flour into a bowl and make a well in the centre.
- Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the water, then pour it into the well.
- Add the salt and a little olive oil, and knead everything into a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Roll the dough out thinly on a floured surface and cut it into small circles.
- Fry the bases briefly in hot oil until golden brown.
- Top the pizzette with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.
- Bake the pizzette montanare in the oven at 220°C for about 5–7 minutes.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of pizzette montanare you can use a gluten-free flour blend developed specially for pizza. Just make sure your other ingredients, such as the tomato sauce and the cheese, are gluten-free too. For a lactose-free version, swap the mozzarella for a lactose-free cheese, or finish the dish with vegan cheese instead. That way everyone with particular dietary needs can still enjoy these delicious little bites.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan pizzette montanare are easy to put together: simply leave out the cheese or replace it with plant-based alternatives. You can also vary the toppings, using different vegetables such as peppers, courgettes or olives to build up more flavour. A drizzle of olive oil and a handful of fresh herbs give the pizzas an aromatic lift. In this way the dish becomes not only vegetarian but suitable for vegans too.
More tips and tricks
To make the perfect pizzette montanare, it is important to let the dough rise fully. The dough should rest for at least an hour in a warm place so it gains plenty of volume. Make sure the frying oil is properly preheated so the pizzette crisp up evenly. You might also experiment with different flavoured oils to give the pizzas an extra kick.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Pizzette montanare are wonderfully versatile and easy to tailor to your own preferences. You can vary the toppings according to the season and your mood, perhaps with cured meats, seasonal vegetables or a spoonful of homemade pesto of the kind that crowns Trofie al Pesto. A mix of different cheeses makes for an interesting flavour. Be creative and invent your very own pizzette!
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, or simply want to avoid them, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of fresh yeast you can use dried yeast, just keeping an eye on the conversion ratio. For the tomato sauce, passata works well, seasoned to taste with herbs in the spirit of a good Salsa di Pomodoro. Whatever the substitution, the basic recipe stays just as delicious.
Drink pairing ideas
Pizzette montanare go beautifully with excellent Italian wines such as a Chianti or a glass of Prosecco, which underline the flavours of the pizzas perfectly. If you prefer alcohol-free options, a cold lemonade or a homemade lemonade is wonderfully refreshing, especially on warm days. A zesty rosemary mocktail is another great choice to round off the Italian flair.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation matters just as much as flavour with pizzette montanare. Serve the little pizzas on a handsome rustic wooden board or on colourful plates to bring out the vibrant colours of the toppings. Fresh herbs such as basil can be dotted over the pizzas as a garnish. Serving them in small portions or alongside a selection of dips also makes the dish especially appealing.
A bit of history
Pizzette montanare are part of Italy’s rich culinary tradition and have their origins in the region of Campania, which is famed the world over for its outstanding cuisine. These small pizzas were originally sold by street vendors and quickly became enormously popular. Their airy dough and simple yet delicious toppings remain a firm fixture of Italian cuisine to this day. Making and eating pizzette montanare brings not only joy but also a slice of the Italian way of life into your home.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Pizzette Montanare
Pizzette montanare are not just delicious; they bring the Italian spirit straight to your table. With their crisp dough and varied toppings, they are the perfect bites for any occasion. Whether served as a quick snack or as part of a festive buffet, they are sure to delight every guest. Give this recipe a go and enjoy a slice of Italian tradition!
