Figs were once called the "bread of the poor," as they were accessible to everyone. So why not use them as a filling? This tasty and substantial combination, which later became a famous Roman saying, "mica pizza e fichi," suggests that something is worth more than it seems. 'Pizza bianca', like figs, is a popular and affordable product, but when combined with prosciutto crudo, these ingredients create a pairing that is anything but ordinary.
Bonci
Pizza and Figs: the Romans’ snack
It’s the most unusual and intriguing snack in the capital, and one of the oldest. It’s not to everyone's taste, but 'pizza e fichi' is part of our culture. The pizza is the classic oven-baked 'pizza bianca'—fragrant, slightly oily, full of bubbles, with a crispy and flaky crust. Paired with figs, and often a couple of slices of prosciutto crudo, it creates a happy contrast with the sweetness of the fruit. For a vegetarian version, pairing it with ricotta or primosale cheese works well, and let's not forget gorgonzola, the best friend of figs.
Pizza and Figs in Contemporary Pizzerias
At home, it’s a staple, but modern pizzerias also offer it in more or less traditional ways. Bonci, for instance, has always highlighted this combination in the most classic way: starting with his legendary 'pizza bianca', well-leavened and dressed with quality olive oil, perfect for any topping. Another pizzeria that never fails to honour this Roman recipe is Pizza Chef: their 'pizza bianca', split in half and filled with excellent prosciutto and the first figs of the season, is a delight not to be missed.
There are also round pizza versions: the one from 180 Grammi is a joy for both the eyes and the palate. You can also find it at Frumento, a takeaway and delivery pizzeria with two locations in San Giovanni and Monteverde. Speaking of takeaway: Diretto Pizza offers an Iberian-Italian variation, the Jamon, Figs, and Melon. This is a white focaccia with Iberian jamon serrano, figs, DOP buffalo mozzarella treccia, vegan melon mayonnaise, crispy jamon serrano powder, wild mixed greens, and black sesame. Definitely worth trying. At Clementina in Fiumicino, burrata, prosciutto, and figs also make their way onto the pizza, and they've even decided to use these two ingredients in their summer panettone.
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