On November 12, we celebrate, National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day a day to enjoy a pizza with a variety of toppings like pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives and mainly with extra topping with Anchovies. Add mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with oregano and basil, and enjoy! I guess many of you don’t know what exactly Anchovy is, it s a small fish that usually comes in a can
History of National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
Talking in details of pizza making its way to America, we can find that the first restaurant pizza was made in New York City’s Little Italy in 1905.
However, it is mostly asked and seached question on google is that from where does the idea of putting fish (anchovies) on the pizza come from? Well, if we go back in time and see what the Ancient Romans did, we would see that they used to put fermented fish on their flatbreads.
Moreover, the Greeks had a pie which they called a “pita”, which could have led to the word entering the Roman (later Italian) vocabulary. However, the recipe stayed around the early days of pizza, and mozzarella was used as the cheese of choice and according to your preferernce. Moreover, as pizza became more popular, and people added their preferences, different ingredients were experimented with, and this is where anchovies crept in as a topping.
Did you know that, pizza has been described as the favourite meal of Americans, since World War II. There have been different recipes and varieties of pizza, with a wide array of toppings.
| 1905 (Little Italy’s Lombardi Pizzeria Napoletana) | The first pizza establishment in the U.S. is opened in New York City by Gennaro Lombardi. |
| The 1940s (American Soldiers Bring Pizza Home) | During the Second World War, those soldiers who fought at the Italian front regularly ate pizza and from there brought the original recipe back to the U.S. |
| 1987 (World’s largest Pizza) | On October 11, 1987, Lorenzo Amato and Louis Piancone made the largest pizza ever — 44,500 pounds — and spread over an area of 10,000 square feet. |
| 2010 (National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day) | Although there is no confirmed date as to when the nation started celebrating this beautiful day, as far as published records go, the first National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day was celebrated in 2010. |
Recipe- Classic “Works” Pizza with Anchovies
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni
- ¼ cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- ¼ cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup thinly sliced onions
- 6-8 anchovy fillets (adjust to taste)
- Optional: fresh basil or additional herbs for garnish
How to make:
- In a small bowl combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, mix 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Create a well in the centre and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Stir until combined and then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- In a bowl, mix tomato sauce with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions if you’re making two pizzas. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet if you don’t have a pizza stone.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by Parmesan cheese.
- Evenly distribute the pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and onions over the cheese.
- Add the anchovy fillets on top of the pizza. You can place them evenly around the pizza or in clusters, depending on your preference.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil or additional herbs if desired.
- Slice and enjoy your pizza with the works and anchovies!
5 Facts About Pizza (and Anchovies)
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The origin of pizza- In the ancient times of Greeks and Egyptians, pizza was a flatbread seasoned with cheese, oil, and herbs only.
- Pizza is a 37 billion-dollar industry- There are over a million people working in the pizza industry in the U.S., which generates $37 billion every year.
- Pizza was delivered in space- Later on, In 2001, a six-inch pizza was delivered to the International Space Station, where Yuri Usachov was the recipient.
- Some love anchovies on their pizza- 0.003% of Americans select anchovies as a topping of their choice on a pizza.
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Fisherman prefer fishing at night for anchovy- Anchovies shine in the water because of their silvery scales and are easier to catch at night.
Conclusion
National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day is usually celerbated on November 12th a great opportunity to enjoy a pizza loaded with a variety of toppings—minus anchovies.
Think of it as a celebration of the classic, all-inclusive pizza experience, featuring a delicious blend of meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
Whether you prefer a traditional combination or like to get creative with your toppings, it’s a fun excuse to indulge in your favourite pizza flavours.
FAQs
What is National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day?
National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day, celebrated on November 12th, a fun food holiday dedicated to enjoying a pizza with a variety of toppings, but specifically excluding anchovies.
Why are anchovies excluded in normal Pizza?
Anchovies are often polarizing and not everyone enjoys their strong flavor. This day focuses on a more universally popular combination of toppings.
What toppings are typically included on a “works” pizza?
A “works” pizza usually includes a mix of meats (like pepperoni, sausage, and ham), vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives), and a amount of cheese.
Can I make my pizza for this day?
Yes! Making your pizza allows you to customize it with your favourite toppings and adjust the ingredients to your taste.
Also, read more about National Indian Pudding Day – November 13, 2024
