How to Cook Authentic Italian Pizza: A Guide by Mama Fifi

Written By Serdar Demir

Benvenuti, pizza lovers!

At Mama Fifi, in the heart of Barnet, we are passionate about sharing our love for traditional Italian cuisine.

Our dedication to authenticity means that each pizza we create is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Italy. Join us on this delicious journey as we uncover the secrets to making perfect Italian pizza at home.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, our step-by-step instructions vand expert tips will help you master the art of pizza making.

Mama Fifi’s expertise, honed through years of experience and a deep love for Italian cuisine, ensures that you will learn the true essence of Italian pizza.

In this blog, we will cover key techniques, essential ingredients, and share a special menu of five exquisite recipes for Italian pizza in Barnet.

From the history of pizza to practical tips for achieving the perfect crust, we have everything you need to create delicious, authentic pizzas at home.

The Essence of Authentic Italian Pizza

Pizza's origins trace back to ancient civilizations, it was in Naples, Italy, where it evolved into the beloved dish we know today. It was in Florence, where Mama Fifi learnt her craft, passed down to her through millenia. 

Originally a humble food for the poor, pizza's popularity soared, becoming a staple in Italian cuisine.

The iconic Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, features the colors of the Italian flag with its vibrant tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Pizza’s cultural significance in Italy is profound, symbolising community, tradition, and the simple pleasure of good food.

Core Ingredients

Authentic Italian pizza relies on a few high-quality ingredients:

  • 00 Flour: This finely ground Italian flour creates a soft, elastic dough essential for a perfect pizza crust.

  • San Marzano Tomatoes: Grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius, these tomatoes are prized for their sweet flavour and low acidity.

  • Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, creamy, and delicious, fresh mozzarella is a must for genuine Italian pizza.

  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This adds a rich, fruity flavour that elevates the taste of the pizza.

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

In Italian cooking, the quality of ingredients makes all the difference. Fresh, high-quality ingredients ensure that your pizza is flavourful and authentic. The simplicity of Italian pizza allows the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine, so always opt for the best you can find.

pizza at mama fifi

Key Techniques for Perfect Pizza

Making Pizza Dough

Ingredients and Equipment Needed:

  • 500g 00 flour

  • 325ml lukewarm water

  • 10g sea salt

  • 7g fresh yeast (or 5g active dry yeast)

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • Large mixing bowl, dough scraper, clean kitchen towel

Mixing and Kneading the Dough:

  1. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.

  3. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

  4. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Proofing and Shaping the Dough:

  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

  2. Punch down the dough and divide it into 2-3 portions.

  3. Shape each portion into a ball and let rest for 30 minutes before stretching it into a pizza base.

Oven Types:

  • Traditional Oven: Preheat to the highest setting (usually around 250°C/482°F). Use a pizza stone for best results.

  • Pizza Stone: Place it in the oven while preheating to ensure it's hot enough to create a crispy crust.

  • Wood-Fired Oven: Ideal for authentic pizza, reaching temperatures above 400°C/752°F, cooking pizza in just 90 seconds.

Temperature and Cooking Time:

  • Bake pizza at 250°C/482°F for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

  • In a wood-fired oven, pizzas cook in 60-90 seconds.

Sauce Preparation

Balancing Flavours:

  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for a naturally sweet and rich sauce.

  • Add a pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a few torn basil leaves.

  • There is no need to cook your sauce beforehand, the fresh sauce will cook in the oven when your pizza is bubbling away.

Achieving the Right Consistency:

  • Blend the tomatoes until smooth for a classic sauce, or crush them by hand for a chunkier texture.

pizza at mama fifi

Five Great Italian Pizzas in Barnet from Mama Fifi

At Mama Fifi, we celebrate the diversity and richness of Italian pizza.

Here are five of our most cherished recipes, each one a testament to the flavours of Italy. We want you to try making these at home (after tasting Mama Fifi’s in house first, obviously).

Pizza 1: MARGHERITA 

Ingredients: tomato sauce, fior de latte mozzarella, basil, extra-virgin olive oil.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the stretched pizza dough.

  2. Tear fresh mozzarella and distribute evenly.

  3. Add fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

  4. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Pizza 2: CAPRICCIOSA

Ingredients: Tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, ham, mushroom, black olives, artichokes

Preparation Steps:

  1. Spread a light layer of tomato sauce.

  2. Evenly add ham, mushroom, black olives, and artichokes.

  3. Tear fresh mozzarella and distribute evenly.

  4. Bake until it looks good enough to eat.

Pizza 3: PICCANTE

Ingredients: Tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, spianata calabrese salami, n’duja fresh chillies.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Spread tomato sauce on the dough.

  2. Add fior di latte mozzarella, spianata calabrese salami, n’duja fresh chillies.

  3. Try not to cry with joy when you take this spicy bad boy out of the oven. 

Pizza 4: VEGGIE SUPREME

Ingredients: Tomato sauce, grilled aubergine, courgette, mixed peppers, fior di latte mozzarella, oregano.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Spread tomato sauce on the dough.

  2. Add grilled aubergine, courgette, and mixed peppers.

  3. Top with fior di latte mozzarella, and oregano.

  4. Bake until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is hotter than the sun.

Pizza 5: NAPOLETANA 

Ingredients: Tomato sauce, fior di latte mozzarella, capers, black olives, anchovies, red onion, and parmesan.

Preparation Steps:

  1. Spread tomato sauce on the dough.

  2. Add fior di latte mozzarella, capers, black olives, anchovies, and red onion.

  3. Bake until the crust is leopard spotted and the cheese is oozy.

  4. Top with more parmesan, because more cheese is better than less cheese. 

pizza at mama fifi with beer

Tips for Perfect Pizza Every Time

Timing and Texture:

  • Keep an eye on your pizza while it bakes to prevent burning.

  • The crust should be crispy on the outside but soft and chewy inside.

Achieving the Perfect Crust:

  • Ensure your dough is well-proofed.

  • Use a hot oven or pizza stone to achieve a crispy base.

Pairing Toppings and Sauces:

  • Match robust toppings like spicy salami with a simple tomato sauce.

  • Pair lighter toppings like fresh vegetables with a white sauce or minimal tomato sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, which can make it soggy.

  • Don’t undercook the pizza; a golden crust is key to the perfect bite.

Authentic Italian Pizza in Barnet

We've explored the rich history of Italian pizza, the importance of fresh ingredients, key techniques for making pizza dough and sauce, and shared five exquisite pizza recipes from Mama Fifi. With these tips and recipes, you’re well on your way to creating authentic Italian pizzas at home. 

We invite you to try making these pizzas at home and experience the joy of authentic Italian cooking.

For those in Barnet, visit Mama Fifi to enjoy these delicious pizzas made with love and expertise.



Serdar Demir
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How to Cook Authentic Italian Pasta with Mama Fifi