Ep 29. Pizza Three Ways

Molto Mario is a cooking show hosted by Mario Batali, a renowned chef and restauranteur. In season 1 episode 29, titled "Pizza Three Ways," Mario demonstrates how to make pizza in three different styles: Neapolitan, Roman, and American.

The episode begins with Mario discussing the history of pizza and its different variations. He explains that Neapolitan pizza is characterized by its thin and chewy crust, simple tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese. Roman pizza, on the other hand, has a crispy crust and is typically topped with a variety of ingredients such as prosciutto, mushrooms, and artichokes. American pizza, as Mario explains, is typically thicker and has a sweeter tomato sauce.

Mario starts off by making his Neapolitan-style pizza from scratch. He begins by making the dough, which consists of flour, yeast, water, and salt. He demonstrates how to mix and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. He then lets the dough rest for a few hours so that it can rise. Once the dough has risen, Mario shapes it into a round disc and tops it with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil. He then bakes the pizza in a wood-fired oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Next, Mario moves on to the Roman-style pizza. He starts by making the dough, which is similar to the Neapolitan dough but has a higher hydration level. This makes the dough more elastic and easier to stretch. Mario then demonstrates how to shape the dough into a rectangular shape and top it with a variety of ingredients such as prosciutto, mushrooms, olives, and artichokes. He also adds a sprinkle of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. He then bakes the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is crispy and the toppings are golden brown.

Finally, Mario moves on to the American-style pizza. He explains that this style of pizza is typically thicker and has a sweeter tomato sauce. He starts by making the dough, which is similar to the other two styles but has additional ingredients such as sugar and olive oil. Mario then rolls out the dough and tops it with a generous amount of tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and toppings such as pepperoni and sausage. He then bakes the pizza in a hot oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Throughout the episode, Mario shares tips and tricks for making the perfect pizza. He explains the importance of using high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella. He also demonstrates how to properly stretch and shape the dough, and how to achieve the perfect balance of sauce and cheese.

Overall, "Pizza Three Ways" is a fun and informative episode of Molto Mario that showcases the versatility and deliciousness of pizza. Whether you prefer thin and chewy Neapolitan-style pizza or thick and cheesy American-style pizza, Mario has you covered. With his expert guidance and delicious recipes, viewers are sure to be inspired to try making pizza at home.