Dishes
What is pinsa? The difference with pizza explained
In short: pinsa is an oval Roman speciality, related to pizza but made with a different dough: a blend of flours, a lot of water and a long rise. The result is airy inside, crisp outside and lighter than many people expect. At Benoti, pinsa is one of the stars of the menu.
Where does pinsa come from?
The name comes from the Latin pinsere: to stretch, to press. That is also how the dough is shaped, with the fingertips rather than a rolling pin. The modern pinsa romana as we know it today appeared in Rome around the turn of the millennium and quickly spread across Italy and Europe.
Pinsa or pizza: what is the difference?
- The dough. Pizza dough is usually wheat flour, water, yeast and salt. Pinsa dough typically blends wheat with other flours (often rice and soy flour) and contains much more water.
- The rise. Pinsa dough gets a long, cool rise, which makes it light with large air bubbles.
- The shape. A pinsa is oval and pressed out by hand, not rolled into a circle.
- The texture. Crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside.
Pinsa at Benoti
Our menu has classics and our own creations. The Regina keeps it pure with buffalo mozzarella and tomato sauce. The Capricciosa has ham, mushrooms and artichoke. If you like rich and creamy, go for the Mortadella with burrata and pesto or the 4 Formaggi with gorgonzola, taleggio, mozzarella and Grana Padano. Truffle lovers can choose La Tartufo or the Benoti, with tiger prawns, wild mushrooms and truffle cream. And La Vegana is a fully plant-based pinsa.
Tip: pinsa is perfect for sharing. Put a few in the middle of the table together with a tagliere and everyone gets a taste. See all pinsas on the menu.
Frequently asked questions
Is pinsa the same as pizza?
No. They are related, but pinsa has a different dough (several flours, more water, a long rise) and an oval shape, which makes it lighter and crisper.
Is pinsa gluten-free?
No, pinsa dough contains wheat flour and therefore gluten. If you have an allergy, always ask our team.
Does Benoti have a vegan pinsa?
Yes, the Pinsa La Vegana with bell pepper cream, vegan mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini crisps, rocket and black olive powder.