5 Healthy Pizza Toppings

Which food item comes to mind while partying, eating out or even when lazing around at home? It’s obvious, isn’t it? PIZZA! Flatbreads are so yummy and easily available that our love for it might make us couch potatoes sooner or later. With the layers of tomato sauce, cheese and all the other toppings, it is mouthwatering and hard to avoid. But have you ever checked a pizza under the calorie meter? If you haven’t you’re in for a shock. 

But how can we stop eating pizzas when they can be customized as we like them. Well, don’t bother yourself by looking at other dishes. The good news is that since it’s customizable, you can add healthy toppings to your Pizza. 

Problem solved! Compromise a little on the extra meat and cheese and replace some stuff with these healthy additions to enjoy your pizza without having to worry about increased cholesterol. Pizza restaurants have come up with a variety of pizzas that are beneficial to your health regime.

Take a look at the following toppings that can be substituted to make your pizza healthier without compromising on taste:

Spinach
It is quite hard to list all the nutritional values of spinach as they’re so many. Spinach has minimal fat and lesser cholesterol and high on zinc and niacin. Although, it’s a little hard to convince yourself to substitute the pepperoni with spinach, there are a variety of toppings you can add to your pizza to make taste equally good, if not better. Use mozzarella cheese, olives and eggs on your spinach pizza. Spinach has more than a few vitamins and minerals that will definitely add to your health and make you strong.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the best substitutes to the non-vegetarian toppings. The benefits of mushrooms have been celebrated throughout the world. They are essentially a class of fungi that grow even in the wild. Mushrooms are full of minerals that act as anti-oxidants to your body. Anti-oxidants protect body cells from damage which help you to avoid chronic ailments. Finely chopped mushrooms added to anything, including the pizza, issue irresistible taste.  

Ham
Ham is a great source of protein. A certain amount of protein is essential to the human body on a daily basis to maintain muscle mass. On the other hand, ham contains low quantities of fat which will keep you weight in check and make up for the cheese and bread in the pizza. To lower the risk of dangerous diseases avoid using processed meat. Ham’s qualities aid your metabolic system as well.

Turkey
Aren’t turkey pizzas just amazing? The darker meat turkey contains high amounts of minerals and vitamins. Turkey, just like ham, contains high protein and adding it to your pizza will satisfy your hunger for a longer time. Turkey is a little high on fat, but you can take care of that by adding basil, parsley and low fat cheese. Ensure cooking the turkey to 73 degrees Celsius to reduce the risk of illness.

Broccoli
Children and even adults tend to run away at the mention of broccoli. But, being a green vegetable it has many benefits. It tastes delectable with white sauce on the base of the bread. It cuts down on the calories and is also low on cholesterol level. Adding mozzarella cheese and mushroom would make you want to try it again and again. Since, it’s healthy and low on carbs; you can indulge in heavier drinks on the side to add to the flavor of the broccoli.

Many best restaurants in Mumbai are experimenting with nutritious toppings to muster a range of pizzas that complement a healthier lifestyle. You can also use white-flour to make dough for your flatbread which will add to your protein and fiber intake. If the addition of these toppings makes the pizza bland, you can add extra home-made tomato sauce to take the flavors up a notch.

Sides and Starters to Choose with Pizza

Pizza is everybody’s all time favorite. And why not, the cheesy delight with toppings and delicious crust is something no one can resist. But it can be made much tastier with addition sides and starters. 

People believe that because Pizza is quite fulfilling, it doesn’t need any other accomplishments. But, that’s a myth. It totally depends on your taste and preference if you want to pick them with your meal or not. There are number of Italian restaurants in Delhi that serves best sides and starters to compliment your pizza.

Here is a list of sides you can choose to make your meal even more scrumptious. 

Polenta Fries: The twist in the traditional French fries will compliment your pizza perfectly. Oven baked and finished with Gran Milano cheese, it tastes the best when served with a honey and mustard dressing dip. 

Caesar Salad: White anchovies, croutons, free-range egg, Gran Milano cheese, rocket and Cos lettuce, Caesar dressing, parsley and extra virgin olive oil are what you’ll get to experience while enjoying this delicious accomplishment.

Lasagna Classica: A kind of Alforno, this cheesy affair is what you would need just before your pizza. Made with Bolognese sauce, mushroom, tomato and béchamel sauce, Lasagna Classica is finished with Garn Milano cheese. 

Garlic Bread with Mozzarella: Dough of happiness made with mozzarella and brushed with garlic butter is ultimate pick as a side or starter as you wish for.

Buffalo Mozzarella And Tomato Salad: As plain and simple as it sounds, it’s more than just that. Creamy buffalo mozzarella served with fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, pesto and extra virgin olive oil is another savor for that needs to be served with your pizza. 

Calamari: This crispy and savory taste of calamari rings with Caesar dressing, a wedge of lemon and fresh parsley should always in your table to enhance the taste of pizza.

Although, there are several kinds of dressings you’ll find in many places, but best restaurant in Delhi to enjoy these amusing companies is Pizza express. They have some delicious in-house grabs to choose from that are heavenly and made with love. They serve best pizza, which you can grab from any of their outlets.

Tips to make your pizza much more enticing

We all are guilty of get smitten by the enchanting fragrance of mozzarella cheese pelted over fresh veggies which is smothered in fresh pizza sauce. The invigorating smell of basil and the appetizing taste of cheese are good enough to fulfill our heart and trigger our taste buds.

There is no denial in the fact that only the best ingredients can make the best Italian pizza. Unfortunately, not everybody knows the recipes and tips to make a perfect pizza. In case you are craving to have a bite from an authentic Italian pizza, here are some cues for you.

Only use fresh ingredients
You need to go to the local market and do some last minute shopping if you wish to make your pizza crisper and tastier. Nothing can replace the charm of in-season vegetables, fresh herbs, and homemade pizza dough. Even best Italian restaurant in Delhi use fresh ingredients to serve best pizzas to their customers. A pizza prepared with fresh ingredients will make you crave for it even more with every single bite.

Use the right flour
The type of flour you are picking to make pizza dough will hugely impact the taste of your pizza. All-purpose flour is always good but if you wish to make a better whole structure then choose protein bread flour. Better the flour better will be your pizza.  

Pick a particular style
Before you start making your very favorite pizza, you need to decide what kind you would actually like to have? Do you like the hardcore Neapolitan pizza prepared with fresh mozzarella and soft base or the New York style made from dry mozzarella that have a bit of a crunch. Decide everything beforehand in your head because last minute preparation often leads to chaos and ruin the taste of pizza.

Cold fermenting is important for better taste 
The best way to make your Italian pizza much more toothsome is by cold fermenting its dough. It is the technique of storing it in the refrigerator for some time to give it better taste and texture. Best is to keep the dough for 2-3 days in the refrigerator to ferment. In the end you will get a crispier pizza, which is much more refined in taste.

If you are a dedicated pizza fan then applying the above mentioned techniques can be extremely fruitful. Don’t forget to experiment with different types of cheese while preparing the pizza.

Some amazing Italian dishes that you must try in your kitchen

All thanks to pizzas and pasta, Italian cuisine has become extremely popular globally. The main reason behind its popularity is that a wide variety of dishes are available under this particular cuisine and each one of them has a unique and distinct flavour. The heavy and attractive influence of garlic, olive oil, and herbs make it irresistibly tempting. Most of the Italian dishes are tomato or white sauce based, usually garnished with different varieties of cheese. In some recipes, exquisite flavours of wine is also being used. In this blog, we will be telling you about few Italian dishes that you must try in your kitchen. Delve into the world of these amazing Italian recipes and have a happy meal!
        
Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce
Juicy tomatoes and mozzarella cheese salad topped with freshly made pesto sauce. This salad is great start to your meal. The essence of Italian cooking lies in its simplicity and this dish is all about simplicity. Italian pizza restaurants have made this particular salad a part of the menu, due to its increasing popularity.

Bruchesta
This one is a classic Italian starter. Wholesome and tasty, it will make both your heart and stomach full. It is basically country bread sliced topped with different toppings, mostly tomato, garlic, basil, and mushrooms.

Panzenella 
Ideal for summers, Panzenella is a light salad, perfect to start your day. One peculiar thing about this salad is that you need not follow a particular recipe in order to make it but don’t forget to add tomatoes and bread to it. Have it with a chilled glass of Prosecco.    

Margherita Pizza
This particular dish has made Italian food popular around the world. We specifically suggest you to prepare it at home because nothing can be better than a piping hot pizza coming right from your oven. If you are interested in eating out then almost all pizza restaurants have Margherita Pizza as the main dish.

Bigoli in salsa 
This one is the signature dish of Venice. Resembling a lot like spaghetti, it tastes quite different. Specially prepared during the festive seasons, Bigoli in salsa contains a lot of vegetables and sausages. Simply, a perfect dish to give satisfaction to the taste buds.

Italian on your mind? Try these dishes

A lot of us believe that Pizza and Pasta are basically what Italian cuisine is all about, and while Pizza and Pasta’s have made Italian food everyone’s go to comfort food; Italian food is way more vast than mainstream food joints let on. Fast food joints only serve pizzas, pastas and the occasional garlic bread; but even those reek of substandard quality and half- hearted efforts. If your are looking to experience a gastronomic experience that takes you straight to Sicily, then you must try these dishes:

Bruschetta
This appetizer is a health freaks delight for two reasons. First, it is extremely delicious and second it goes easy on the calories. A bruschetta is a finer variant of garlic bread in layman analogy. Bread drizzled with olive oil and baked, then topped with fresh veggies, herbs and/or a dash of cheese. It indeed is a delightful way to begin your meal.

Antipasto
Another starter, the Antipasto is vibrant and filling enough to be your meal itself. Antipasto can be termed as a platter for easier understanding. With an array of meats, cheese and breads along with dips –this dish pairs unsurprisingly well with wine.

Risotto
I personally feel this is the most underrated dish on the Italian menu. Risotto is a rice dish made with wine, and slowly cooked to extract starch out of the rice until it becomes creamy. A dish that sounds simple, hardly any best restaurants in Mumbai or other parts of India get it right. If you want to try a perfect risotto, I recommend you visit places like Pizza Express. Risotto usually goes well with additions like Portobello or porcini mushrooms, for hey add a layer of flavor to the dish.

Everything pesto
If you have been an Italian cuisine amateur, then your understanding of sauces is probably categorized under ‘white sauce’ and ‘red sauce’. You must know that these sauces come in a lot of variant ingredients from arrabiata to Bolognese to béchamel, but fast food joints often omit the most fragrant of them all; Pesto. Made from fresh Genovese basil leaves, rich Parmesan cheese, garlic and pine nuts/almonds; pesto has a delicious flavor and can be used in anything Italian! Pizza, dip, a pasta sauce; pesto befriends all.

Tiramisu
Italy’s gift to the world, this layered dessert with mascarpone cheese, bread, coffee and a little bit of liquor takes me to haven! You must try Tiramisu at the end of your meal.

Different varieties of pizza crust

Pizza is one dish which is loved by people of all age groups. It is popular across the world and you’ll find people creating their own versions of this popular dish, by using different types of pizza bases and toppings on it. If we talk about various innovations that are done to this dish, most of them are done by using different types of bases. A pizza base not only affects its taste, but also dictates appearance, texture, topping selection and presentation. Nowadays, you’ll find majority of chefs of top Italian restaurants experimenting with pizza bases to expand their menu and attract more customers. Listed below are the different types of crusts which are quite popular these days:

Thin crust pizzas: Pizzas with thin crust are considered to be the original Italian pizzas. They have a thin base with a crispy texture and are mostly baked on a wood fired oven to get the desired taste and flavour. Thin crust pizzas are available in two styles, mainly Marinara and Margherita. They are perfect for all those who want to relish authentic Italian pizzas. Visit any of the top Italian restaurant and you are sure to find variety of thin crust pizzas in their menu.

Flatbread crust pizzas: these pizzas have become very popular in the last few years, since the consumers are becoming more health conscious day by day. The crust of these pizzas is lighter and less filling compared to other bases. So, if you are health conscious and do not want to be guilty for eating your favourite pizza, this flat bread pizza would be a perfect option for you. It is widely used with trendy gourmet toppings of spinach, balsamic etc.

Thick crust pizzas: Next type of pizza crust is the thick crust which is quite popular among pizza lovers. Pizzas with a thick crust have a pan fried and buttery flavour outside, but are soft and chewy from inside. Minimum thickness of thick crust pizzas is half an inch and can go to two to two-and-a half inch. The bases of these pizzas are baked in oiled deep dish pan which give a buttery flavour to them. If you want to relish it, head to any top pizza restaurants of Noida, and you’ll definitely find variety of thick crust pizzas in their menu. Pizza Express is one such restaurant where you can find all these varieties of pizzas. Visit the restaurant today and try out your favourite pizza!

5 tips to prepare for the IPL season!

IPL is around the corner and it’s time to indulge into all the loud hoots and claps! This much awaited tournament has once again got our hearts racing and our mouths cheering for our favorite teams. The flat screens have been checked multiple times so that nothing goes wrong when the season arrives.
If you want to make the most of one of the most popular cricket series of all time and if you want to assure that nothing goes wrong during your favorite tournament, here are few tips to prepare for it.

• Take out your fan t-shirts: You have to admit that cricket becomes even more exciting when you’re wearing your favorite team’s t-shirt. Not that a t-shirt gives you a tag of being a fan, but it surely fills more power in your hoots. A fan t-shirt boosts energy like nothing else, and it’s to take it out from wherever you kept it last year. Don’t care about washing it- as it works just like that!

• Pizza bookings: Because all that you need on your taste buds during an IPL match is a flavorful Italian pizza. Manage your pizza bookings and do not forget to book in advance! Generally, pizza restaurants are packed with deliveries during IPL season because- pizza is loved by all, and you must not miss out on it. Book extra if you’re friends are coming over. And even if they’re not, keep some for your midnight cravings!

• Fan makeup: This is so going to give you a feel of the cricket stadium. Buy colors to paint your face according to your team’s look and start applying an hour before the match- so that it dries whenever the show happens.

• And some beers: Pizza and beer and a rocking cricket match- that is the idea of a perfect day! Get beers for everyone in the house and get set for an exciting night. Beer would just elevate the bars of vigor and excitement and if you didn’t know it already, it would just the make the IPL music sound louder.

• TV recording: Because some of us want more than the official flashbacks of the match. Do not forget to switch the recording button on in your television, so that you can watch over and over again the golden moments of your favorite tournament.

When you’ve taken your t-shirt out, contacted pizza restaurants¸ bought makeup colors, arranged beers and have set your TV for the final day, know that you’re ready!