Neapolitan Pizza at La Ruota: A Guide to Authentic Italian Flavours

Welcome to La Ruota, where the traditional flavours of Italy meet the finest ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Canada. Our authentic Neapolitan pizzas are hand-crafted, stone oven-baked, and crafted with the utmost care and precision by our experts. 

Neapolitan pizza is more than just a simple flatbread topped with tomato sauce and cheese; it's an art form with centuries of history. From the humble streets of Naples to the bustling cities of Canada, Neapolitan pizza has gained global recognition for its distinct taste and cooking techniques. Serving you only the best, La Ruota is dedicated to preserving the authenticity and quality of this Italian classic. In this guide, we will dive into the rich history and unique techniques behind one of Italy's most iconic dishes – Neapolitan pizza – and how La Ruota stays true to its roots while also catering to the diverse taste buds of our Canadian clientele.

The History of Neapolitan Pizza

The origins of Neapolitan pizza trace back to Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. Naples was known for its working-class individuals who needed quick, affordable, and flavourful meals. Pizza was the perfect solution, with simple ingredients and a fast cooking process. The popularity of the dish surged even more when Queen Margherita visited Naples in 1889. It is said that a local pizzaiolo, Raffaele Esposito, created a special pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colours of the Italian flag. This pizza, now known as Margherita pizza, impressed the queen, further solidifying the status of Neapolitan pizza.

Today, this delicious Italian dish has spread worldwide and earned global recognition. In fact, UNESCO added the art of Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, highlighting the importance of preserving the authenticity of Neapolitan pizza.

The Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour

The secret behind the exceptional taste of Neapolitan pizza lies in its quality ingredients. To adhere to the strict traditions of Neapolitan pizza-making, specific ingredients must be used.

Tomato Sauce

Authentic Neapolitan pizza must be topped with San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in the fertile volcanic soil around Mount Vesuvius. These tomatoes are known for their sweet flavour and low acidity, contributing to the unique taste of Neapolitan pizza sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese

Fior di latte (cow's milk mozzarella) or mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella) are the go-to choices for Neapolitan pizza. Mozzarella di bufala is the more traditional option, made from the milk of water buffaloes in the Campania region of Italy. These cheeses are known for their rich, creamy texture and mild flavour, melting beautifully on Neapolitan pizzas.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To maintain a high level of authenticity, Neapolitan pizza relies on extra virgin olive oil to enhance its taste. The oil is drizzled onto the pizza before baking, adding a hint of earthy and fruity flavour to the dough and toppings.

Basil

Fresh basil leaves are often added to Neapolitan pizzas, infusing the dish with delicious herbal notes that complement the other ingredients. The leaves are usually hand-torn and placed on the pizza before baking to help release their aromatic flavour.

The Dough: A Crucial Component

The Neapolitan pizza dough is arguably the star of the show. With a simple mixture of flour, water, salt, and yeast, expert pizza makers transform these base ingredients into a light, airy, and pliable dough. The ideal dough should be soft and elastic, allowing it to stretch easily while maintaining its shape.

High-quality flour, preferably '00' (doppio zero) flour, is the first step in achieving the perfect Neapolitan dough. This finely ground flour, made from soft wheat, yields a silky-smooth texture perfect for creating a supple and elastic dough.

The dough-making process begins by hydrating the flour with water, incorporating salt, and then cultivating the yeast. The ingredients are mixed gently to create a slightly sticky, homogeneous dough. The dough is then left to ferment for 8 to 24 hours, developing flavour and making it easier to handle.

Kneading the dough by hand is crucial - a technique that takes time and skill to master. Pizzaiolos expertly stretch the dough, forming a thin centre and leaving a thicker, pillowy crust (also known as 'cornicione').

The Baking: Stone Ovens and High Temperatures

Once the dough is prepared and the premium ingredients are assembled, the Neapolitan pizza is ready for the oven. A key component in creating an authentic Neapolitan pizza is baking it in a traditional wood-fired stone oven. These ovens reach extremely high temperatures, usually between 800°F and 900°F.

At La Ruota, we bake our pizzas at such high temperatures to ensure a perfectly cooked crust in a matter of minutes. This intensity not only creates a beautiful crisp on the outside but also maintains a tender, chewy texture on the inside of the crust. Additionally, the high heat helps develop an ideal char (or leopard spotting) on the crust, which is a signature characteristic of Neapolitan pizza.

Toppings: Simple and Balanced

Arguably the perfect finishing touch, the toppings on Neapolitan pizza must be carefully chosen to suit the flavour profile of the dish. La Ruota offers various traditional and innovative toppings, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavours in every bite. Traditional Neapolitan favourites like Margherita and Marinara showcase the simplicity and elegance of classic Italian flavours, while more modern creations provide a unique spin on a centuries-old recipe.

By staying true to the rich history, techniques, and ingredients behind Neapolitan pizza, La Ruota brings a piece of Italy to Canada, offering an authentic and elevated dining experience. Indulge in the mouth-watering flavours of our artisan, stone oven-baked, Neapolitan-style pizzas to transport your taste buds to the cobblestone streets of Naples.

Experience Authentic Italian Flavors at La Ruota

There's no doubt that La Ruota takes great pride in serving up the most delectable and genuine Neapolitan pizzas in Canada. Every detail, from the ingredients to the stone-oven baking techniques, contributes to the unparalleled taste of these artisan pies.

We invite you to join us on this culinary adventure and indulge in the rich Italian flavours we've grown so passionate about. Bring your family and friends and embark on a memorable journey around Italy, one pizza slice at a time. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning customer, La Ruota will always offer you an exquisite dining experience that celebrates the art of Neapolitan pizza.

Ready to take your taste buds on an Italian vacation? Visit La Ruota's website to browse our menu, learn more about our story, and even place an order for takeout or delivery. Trust in the authentic flavours of La Ruota and experience the incredible world of Neapolitan pizza. Order your pizza delivery in Coquitlam now!