Care for a pizza or pinsa tonight? Umm.. is that a spelling mistake? No, pinsa is the trendiest pizza on the block that has been stealing our attention. But is it the same? Find the difference between pizza vs. pinsa.
If you are a hardcore pizza lover, you must have a strong opinion about which crust is better. And with pinsa making a comeback, the debate has an interesting twist.
So, what’s the difference between pizza and pinsa? The whole difference between pizza and pinsa lies in how the crust is made. But there’s also more to it.
In the post, we will learn about the similarities and differences between pinsa and pizza so that you are well aware of what to eat to satisfy your cravings. You will also find some great pizza and pinsa recipes to make a mouthwatering meal for your family.
Pizza Vs. Pinsa | Difference Table
| Basis Of Difference | Pinsa | Pizza |
| Dough Type | Unleavened/leavened | Leavened |
| Flavor | Earthy, sweet, sour, and nutty; takes on different notes depending on level of caramelization | Bready flavor with usually sweet undertones |
| Made In | High-heat brick ovens, electric ovens (with pizza stone) | Electric ovens, brick ovens; optional use of pizza pan or stone |
| Texture | Crispy, airy, and soft in the middle; well-hydrated dough | Fluffy and airy with subtle crispy edges |
| Preparation Time | Proofing can take up to 3 days | Requires up to 24 hours to proof |
| Toppings | Olive oil, tomato sauce, any type of cheese, herbs, meat, and exotic toppings like goat cheese | Works well with mainstream toppings like cheese, meat, and sauces |
What Is Pizza?
Pizza is an Italian flatbread that comes with a topping of tomato sauce, cheese, meat, and vegetables. The dough used for pizza is made with wheat flour, water, and yeast.
Other ingredients, such as olive oil, salt, and sugar, may also be added to the dough. Once the dough is prepared, it is rolled out and placed in an oven (electric or woof-fire).
The word “pizza” is believed to come from the Greek word “pitta,” meaning “pie,” or the Langobardic word “bizzo,” meaning “bite.”
The existence of pizza is as old as mankind. The first mention of pizza was found in a text from Gaeta, Italy, written in 997 AD.
Pizza became popular in the 18th century. But today, pizza is one of the most popular dishes in the world.
What Is Pinsa?
If you place pinsa and pizza together, you may be unable to tell the difference by their looks. Pinsa is a type of Italian pizza made with a blend of flour completely different from traditional pizza dough.
The dough used to make pinsa includes a combination of wheat, rice, soy, and spelt flour. This unique blend of flour makes pinsa taste much different from pizza.
Unlike pizza, pinsa typically calls for less sauce. This factor allows the pinsa toppings to take center stage and shine through in each bite.
The first mention of pinsa was found in the 1st century AD, written in Pliny the Elder’s Natural History. Back then, pinsa dough was flattened and baked on hot stones.
Pinsa Romana became popular again in the 20th century. From there, it went to South America and came back to Italy.
Today, pinsa is a popular street food in Rome and other parts of Italy. It is also gaining huge popularity in other countries, especially the United States.
Now that you have a fair idea of where pizza and pinsa come from, let’s dwell deep into finding the differences between the two.
Pizza Vs. Pinsa | What’s The Difference?
Now that you have a fair idea of where pizza and pinsa come from. Let’s dwell deep into finding the differences between the two.
1. Ingredients
One of the most notable differences between a pizza and a pinsa is the blend of flour used to make the dough.
Pizza dough contains wheat flour, water, and yeast. Other ingredients may also include sugar, salt, and olive oil. Pinsa, on the other hand, is made with a unique blend of flours that includes spelt, wheat, rice, and soy.
2. Texture
The difference between the ingredients of pizza and pinsa leads to a different texture of the two. With the incredible mix of flour, pinsa is lighter and crispier in texture, whereas pizza is soft and chewy.
While the wheat flour makes pinsa chewy, the quality of rice flour makes pinsa crispier. Moreover, spelt and soy flour makes the structure of pinsa that adds a superior feel to pizza.
The play of flour makes pinsa tender and chewy when baked lightly. But it turns crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside when left in the oven longer for baking.
It should also be noted that the quality of pinsa being lighter than pizza is achieved due to the extra water content used to make pinsa dough.
3. Shape
The shape is another defining factor that sets apart pinsa and pizza. While a pizza is typically round in shape with a circumference of about 10-12 inches, pinsa has an oval shape with a circumference of about 14-16 inches.
Moreover, apart from its round shape, a pizza traditionally has raised edges, while pinsa can be oval-shaped with a flattened edge.
4. Preparation
When it comes to pinsa preparation and pizza, different methods are used. While a pizza is traditionally spun in the air to achieve its iconic circular shape, pinsa with a wetter dough is pressed flat on the surface. This makes pinsa an uneven, rustic surface.
Both the doughs are baked in a pizza oven, but pinsa is typically baked at a lower temperature for longer to achieve a crunchy crust.
Another key difference between the preparation of pinsa and pizza lies in the addition of yeast to the dough. A pizza requires the addition of yeast to leaven the dough. At the same time, pinsa can be made without yeast.
5. Taste
Taste is the most important factor that sets apart every dish. By looking at the ingredients list of both pizza and pinsa, it is easy to understand that they offer different flavors.
The flavor of Pinsa is not in the toppings but in the bread! With its multi-grain composition, pinsa has earthy, nutty, grainy, and slightly tangy flavors.
These unique flavors of the pinsa bread make it a great option to simply be enjoyed with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
Pizza, on the other hand, made with simple ingredients like flour, has a savory or plain taste. The flavors in a pizza are dependent on the toppings used.
6. Toppings
One of the most striking features of pizza and pinsa is their toppings. A classic Italian pizza comes with a topping of sweet and tangy tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil, known as the Margherita. Other toppings include meat such as pepperoni, sausage, veggies, olives, jalapenos, etc.
Pinsa also comes with endless toppings, but it can also be left plain. Moreover, pinsa is topped with lesser tomato sauce as compared to pizza.
7. Nutritional Value
If you are a health freak or on a diet, the difference in the nutritional value of pizza and pinsa will interest you. The ingredients list of pinsa and pizza makes pinsa lighter than a pizza. Thus, a slice of pizza contains 200-300 calories, whereas a slice of Pinsa has about 100-200 calories.
This major difference in calories is not just due to the difference in ingredients but also the difference in toppings.
Pizza Vs. Pinsa | Which One Is Healthier?
If you compare the health quotient between pinsa and pizza, pinsa is a clear winner. Pinsa is amazingly digestible! Given its airy texture, pinsa is lower in calories than pizza.
It also has a lower fat, sodium, and protein content. This makes pinsa a lighter, healthier choice than other types of pizza.
The soy flour in pinsa dough is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and magnesium is gluten-free and reduces cholesterol in the blood. Pinsa dough also has less starch as compared to pizza.
Pizza Vs. Pinsa | Which One Is Tastier?
Pizza is a highly popular food all over the world. That proves how tasty it is. However, if you compare it with pinsa, the latter wins.
By looking at the way pizza and pinsa are made, pinsa stands as a clear winner in the war of taste. Pinsa bread is more flavorful, thanks to the dough, and add to it your choice of toppings.
Additionally, pinsa is also crunchier than pizza. So, if you like crunchy bread on the outside with a chewy and fluffy texture on the inside, you will fall in love with pinsa.
Top Pizza Recipes
Pizza doesn’t need any introduction. It’s great fast food to have with unlimited toppings. Let’s find some delicious pizza recipes.
1. Taco Pizza
I’m sure you’ve had the classic pizza that is an all-time favorite for all. But have you tried a taco pizza? If not, then you must try this recipe.
This taco pizza replaces the traditional tomato sauce with refried beans and includes cheddar cheese, green onions, black olives, romaine heart, cherry tomatoes, and tortilla chips.
You can also add meat if you wish to. Take a bite and enjoy the divine flavors of this pizza with crispy tortilla chips. Here is the full recipe to learn how to make a taco pizza.
2. Sheet Pan Pizza
Looking for a dish to feed a crowd? Try out this sheet pan pizza recipe. As the name suggests, this pizza doesn’t have a circular shape. It is baked in a rectangular pan. It’s the equivalent of 3 pizzas in 1!
You can use different toppings on different parts of the pizza. Still, this recipe uses shredded smoked gouda cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, baby arugula, olive oil, and fresh basil.
3. Basil Pizza
Do you love basil pesto pasta? Well, turn it into a basil pesto pizza by following this recipe. This pizza uses basil pesto as the base sauce instead of tomato sauce. It is topped with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
4. 3 Cheese Shrimp Pizza
If you can’t decide between pizza and shrimps, make a 3-cheese shrimp pizza starring with buttery shrimps. This garlicky, creamy cheese pizza is made with whole milk ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, and shrimp.
You will definitely fall in love with this pizza. Click here to find the full recipe.
5. Pickle Pizza
Try out an unusual pizza by making a pickled pizza. This unusual pizza pairs a creamy garlic dill sauce with gooey cheese and tangy bursts of a pickle. It is cheese, zesty, savory, and all things good!
Read the full recipe here.
Top Pinsa Recipes
Pinsa is a traditional Roman street food. This tasty treat can be topped with almost anything and won’t weigh you down like many other styles of pizza. Let’s find out the top pinsa recipes.
1. Pinsa Romana Ricetta Originale
To make the best pinsa, you must try out this pinsa Romania ricetta original recipe that yields the perfect crust. By mastering this recipe, you can make many delectable variations.
You can add the most basic toppings, cheese and tomato sauce, and some fresh basil. Then move on to adding more flavorful ingredients such as meat and vegetables. Find out how to make pinsa here.
2. White Wine & Garlic Pinsa Romana
At times we don’t have all the ingredients to make a dish. If you make pinsa if you find yourself short of soy flour, you can try out this recipe that yields a similar result.
This pinsa recipe is a white pizza with a delectable sauce made with mushrooms, white wine, and garlic. The toppings feature thinly sliced provolone cheese before putting it back into the oven for a final bake. Check out the full recipe for white wine and garlic pinsa Romana here.
3. Robiola & Pear Pinsa
A unique quality of pinsa is that it can be paired with many fruits. Yes, I know you can also add pineapple to pizza. But this pinsa recipe features pears and walnuts. This recipe is definitely intriguing and bursting with incredible flavors.
Find out the full recipe for robiola and pear pinsa here.
4. Roman Pinsa
Do you like anchovies in pizza? If yes, then try out roman pinsa with anchovies as an ingredient. The toppings for this pinsa include tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, anchovies’ oil, pecorino romano cheese, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil.
The anchovies oil adds depth to the sauce’s flavor, adding to the umaminess. Learn how to make roman pinsa here.
5. Classic Pinsa Romana
Looking for classic pizza flavors in pinsa? Try out the classic pinsa romana. This pinsa features mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, fresh parsley, and fresh ground black pepper.
With these basic toppings, you can enjoy the earthy and nutty flavors of the pinsa crust. Check out the full recipe here.
Pizza Vs. Pinsa | Which One Is More Versatile?
Both pizza and pinsa make for a great meal. But if we have to choose one based on versatility, pinsa is the winner.
Pinsa is not only great as a pizza, but the pinsa bread can also be devoured on its own due to its lovely flavor and texture. You can dip strips of pinsa in extra virgin olive and balsamic vinegar to serve as an appetizer.
Can We Substitute Pizza Vs. Pinsa
After reading the information above, you have found out all the differences that make pizza different from pinsa. However, it should be noted that pinsa is also a type of pizza. Therefore, yes, pizza can be substituted for pinsa and vice versa.
When you bite into one another, you will definitely find a difference in their taste. But be assured, both pizzas taste incredible!
Pizza Vs. Pinsa | Which One Is Better?
We have now reached the end of this article. If you are a regular visitor to our website, you know that this is when we announce a winner in our vs. category.
So, after a deep insight into what makes a pizza and pinsa different, the latter wins the debate. Pinsa is not new on the block. It has been there for a long time. But it has been less talked about since it has remained mostly in Rome. However, it is now gaining popularity due to many factors.
Pinsa, by all means, is more flavorful, has an excellent texture, and is healthier to eat. So, if you have not heard of it until now, you must try it out. You will definitely wonder why you have been missing out on such a wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between pinsa and pizza?
The difference between pizza and pinsa lies in their dough.
What is pinsa dough made with?
Pinsa dough is made using wheat, rice, soy, spelt flour, and a lot of water. Pinsa dough may or may not contain yeast.
What is pizza dough made of?
Pizza dough is made with wheat flour, yeast, sugar, and water. It may also contain olive oil and salt.
Is Pinsa a flatbread?
Pinsa, a Roman flatbread that has been enjoyed since before pizza evolved, is having a moment.
Is pinsa gluten-free?
Pinsa is gluten-free as its cold fermentation breaks down glutens and starch.
Is pinsa healthy?
Pinsa is a healthy option to eat over pizza. The blend of four flours makes it more nutritious and contains fewer calories.
What toppings go on pinsa?
Pinsa toppings are endless. Just like a pizza, you dress it with your choice of meat, vegetables, and fruits. However, in comparison to pizza, pinsa uses tomato sauce in lesser quantity.
Conclusion
Pinsa and pizza are two incredibly tasty dishes. While pizza has gained a lot of popularity over the years, pinsa is becoming to be more popular. If you haven’t tried a pinsa yet, do so soon.
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Happy eating!!
