Indulge in the Flavors of Naples: Recreating the Calabrese Pizza Scene from Eat Pray Love

Eat Pray Love is a 2010 romantic drama film based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Elizabeth Gilbert. The movie follows the journey of the protagonist, Liz (played by Julia Roberts), as she travels to Italy, India, and Indonesia to find herself and rediscover her passion for life. One of the most iconic scenes from the film takes place in Naples, Italy, where Liz indulges in a mouthwatering Calabrese pizza.

Calabrese pizza is a traditional Neapolitan pizza that features spicy salami, buffalo mozzarella, and tomatoes. It is a popular dish in the region and is known for its bold flavours and unique texture. In the movie, Liz sits at a quaint pizzeria in Naples, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, while eagerly waiting for her pizza to arrive. When it finally does, she takes a bite and is immediately transported to a world of flavour and sensation.

The scene perfectly captures the essence of Italian cuisine and the joy that comes from indulging in a truly delicious meal. It also highlights the importance of taking the time to savour and enjoy the little things in life, like a perfectly made pizza in a beautiful setting.

For those looking to recreate Liz’s Calabrese pizza experience at home, it’s important to start with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Use a good-quality pizza dough recipe, and top it with spicy salami, buffalo mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes. Bake it in a hot oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden and crispy.

In conclusion, the Calabrese pizza scene in Eat Pray Love is a reminder of the beauty and joy that comes from indulging in a delicious meal. It’s a celebration of Italian cuisine, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together and evoke strong emotions. So, whether you’re a fan of pizza or simply love good food, this scene is sure to leave a lasting impression.

How to make a crusty Calabrese pizza

Course: MainsDifficulty: XX

Eat Pray Love is on Netflix today, and it’s the Julia Roberts film that has haunted my psyche more than any other. It’s not the film itself that nags at me, though, but one specific scene set in a Napoli pizzeria. Her visit to Italy takes place mostly in Rome and Naples. The pizzeria in Naples where she’s having a conversation with her friend about the importance of the daily actual joy rather than the stress over gaining weight, triggered me to check this place! According to many, it is the best pizza they have ever eaten.

Ingredients

• 300g pizza dough

• 80g tomato sauce

• 45g mozzarella, cubed

• 30g nduja sausage

• 30g roquito peppers, chopped

• 4 large fresh green chillies, finely sliced

• ¼ yellow and ¼ red pepper, sliced

• 20g Grana Padano, grated

• 30g Calabrese sausage or spicy salami, sliced

• Pinch of dried oregano

• 20g watercress, stalks trimmed

• 1 tsp fresh pesto

• 50g fior di latte mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella

Directions

• Preheat a baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven to 220°C/fan200°C/gas 7 or as high as your oven will go. Stretch and roll the dough into a rectangle or rustic circle (see p108 for how to do this). Remove the sheet/stone from the oven, place the rolled dough on top and quickly spread the tomato sauce over the base, leaving a 1cm gap around the edge. Add the mozzarella and break the nduja sausage, if using, into small pieces, scattering it evenly over the pizza base. Add the roquito pepper, green chilli and yellow and red pepper on top.
• Finally, sprinkle over half the Grana Padano, top with slices of Calabrese sausage or spicy salami and season with the oregano. Place in the oven for 10-12 minutes until crisp and golden.
• While the pizza is cooking, place the watercress and pesto in a bowl and lightly toss them together.
• Remove the pizza from the oven, tear the fior di latte mozzarella into 10 pieces and scatter over the pizza. Spoon the watercress and pesto mix over the top and finish with the remaining Grana Padano.

Recipe Video

Notes

• I love this recipe because It’s easy and very tasty. Each slice tastes very nice. Colourful, spicy and healthy this is just what I need when I feel hungry.
• “Pizza is my soulmate,” said Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love. We can all relate to that.
• Watching Julia Roberts savouring the Calabrese pizza is enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
• If you can’t travel to Naples, let the Calabrese pizza bring Naples to you.
• Who needs a romantic partner when you have a hot and delicious pizza?

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