Napolità, often referred to as “Napolitan” or “Napolitan Style,” is a culinary style rooted in the heart of Naples, Italy. It’s a vibrant expression of Neapolitan culture, celebrated for its authenticity and simplicity. This style carries a sense of tradition that captures the true spirit of Italian cooking. But is Napolità more than just pizza and pasta? In this article, we will explore the history, origins, and uniqueness of Napolità cuisine, as well as where to find authentic Napolità restaurants in the US.
The History and Origins of Napolità Cuisine
Napolità cuisine has ancient historical roots that date back to the Greco-Roman period, which was enriched over the centuries by the influence of the different cultures that controlled Naples and its kingdoms, such as that of Aragon and France. Since Naples was the capital of the Kingdom of Naples, its cuisine took much from the culinary traditions of all the Campania region, reaching a balance between dishes based on rural ingredients (pasta, vegetables, cheese) and seafood dishes (fish, crustaceans, mollusks).
Some of the most iconic dishes of Napolità cuisine are pizza, pasta, fritto misto, and sfogliatella. Pizza, the world-famous flatbread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various ingredients, originated in Naples in the 18th century, and was popularized by the visit of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889, who gave her name to the classic pizza Margherita. Pasta, the staple of Italian cuisine, is also a product of Naples, where the first pasta factories were established in the 16th century, producing the famous spaghetti, macaroni, and vermicelli. Fritto misto, a dish of deep-fried seafood and vegetables, is a typical street food of Naples, reflecting its coastal location and abundance of fresh produce. Sfogliatella, a pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit, is a sweet treat that dates back to the 17th century, when it was invented by the nuns of the convent of Santa Rosa in Salerno.
What Makes Napolità Cuisine Unique?
Napolità cuisine is unique for its traditional cooking methods, its use of fresh, local ingredients, and its influence of history and tradition. Napolità cuisine adheres to the strict, old world standards of Vera Pizza Napoletana, which means that pizza must be made with only four core ingredients – water, salt, yeast, and flour – and baked in a wood-fired oven at a high temperature for a short time. Pasta must also be cooked al dente, meaning firm to the bite, and served with simple sauces made with tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and cheese. Napolità cuisine also relies on the quality and freshness of its ingredients, which are sourced from the fertile land and sea of Campania. Some of the most famous products of Napolità cuisine are the San Marzano tomatoes, the buffalo mozzarella, the anchovies, the lemons, and the extra virgin olive oil. Napolità cuisine also reflects the history and tradition of Naples and its people, who have a strong sense of identity and pride in their culture. Napolità cuisine is often associated with festive occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, and Carnival, when special dishes are prepared to celebrate the season and the family.
Where to Find Authentic Napolità Restaurants in the US
If you want to experience the authentic taste of Napolità cuisine in the US, you have many options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular Napolità restaurants in different cities, along with some must-try dishes and wine pairing suggestions:
- Napolita Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Wilmette, IL: This cozy and casual restaurant offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts, all made with imported ingredients from Naples and cooked in a wood-fired oven. Try the pizza Margherita, the pasta alla Genovese, the insalata Caprese, and the tiramisu, and pair them with a glass of Aglianico, a red wine from Campania.
- Ribalta in New York, NY: This elegant and modern restaurant is run by two Neapolitan chefs, who bring their passion and expertise to the table. Try the pizza Napoletana, the pasta al ragù, the fritto misto, and the sfogliatella, and pair them with a glass of Falanghina, a white wine from Campania.
- Pupatella in Arlington, VA: This award-winning and family-friendly restaurant is certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which means that it follows the strict rules of making authentic Neapolitan pizza. Try the pizza Marinara, the pasta alla Norma, the arancini, and the cannoli, and pair them with a glass of Greco di Tufo, a white wine from Campania.
Frequently Asked Questions About Napolità Cuisine
Here are some of the most common questions and answers about Napolità cuisine:
- What sets Napolità cuisine apart? Napolità cuisine is distinguished by its simplicity, authenticity, freshness, and tradition. It uses only a few ingredients, but of high quality and flavor, and follows the old world standards of cooking. It also reflects the history and culture of Naples and its people, who have a strong sense of identity and pride in their cuisine.
- What are some must-try dishes in Napolità cuisine? Some of the most iconic and delicious dishes in Napolità cuisine are pizza, pasta, fritto misto, and sfogliatella. Pizza is the most famous dish of Napolità cuisine, and it comes in many varieties, such as Margherita, Marinara, Napoletana, and Capricciosa. Pasta is also a staple of Napolità cuisine, and it can be served with different sauces, such as ragù, Genovese, puttanesca, and carbonara. Fritto misto is a dish of deep-fried seafood and vegetables, which is a typical street food of Naples. Sfogliatella is a pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied fruit, which is a sweet treat that originated in a convent in Salerno.
- What are some wine pairing suggestions for Napolità cuisine? Napolità cuisine can be paired with different wines, depending on the dish and the preference of the diner. Some of the most common and suitable wines for Napolità cuisine are Aglianico, Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, and Fiano di Avellino, which are all produced in Campania. Aglianico is a full-bodied and robust red wine, which goes well with pizza, pasta, and meat dishes. Falanghina is a crisp and fruity white wine, which goes well with seafood, salads, and cheese dishes. Greco di Tufo is a dry and mineral white wine, which goes well with pasta, fritto misto, and vegetable dishes. Fiano di Avellino is a complex and aromatic white wine, which goes well with pasta, cheese, and dessert dishes.
- What are some common misconceptions about Napolità cuisine? Some of the most common misconceptions about Napolità cuisine are that it is heavy, greasy, and unhealthy, that it is limited to pizza and pasta, and that it is the same as Italian cuisine. Napolità cuisine is actually light, fresh, and nutritious, as it uses only a few ingredients, but of high quality and flavor, and follows the old world standards of cooking. Napolità cuisine is also diverse and varied, as it offers a range of dishes, from seafood to vegetables, from cheese to desserts, and from street food to fine dining. Napolità cuisine is also unique and distinct, as it reflects the history and culture of Naples and its people, who have a strong sense of identity and pride in their cuisine.
Conclusion
Napolità cuisine is a culinary style rooted in the heart of Naples, Italy. It’s a vibrant expression of Neapolitan culture, celebrated for its authenticity and simplicity. Napolità cuisine is more than just pizza and pasta, as it offers a range of dishes, from seafood to vegetables, from cheese to desserts, and from street food to fine dining. Napolità cuisine is also unique for its traditional cooking methods, its use of fresh, local ingredients, and its influence of history and tradition. Napolità cuisine can be enjoyed in many authentic restaurants in the US, where you can taste the true spirit of Italian cooking. Napolità cuisine is a cuisine that captures the essence of Naples and its people, who have a strong sense of identity and pride in their culture.
