What Is Pinsa? Discover Italy’s Lighter & Crispier Pizza
You love pizza. Who doesn’t? But what if we tell you about something even better?
A crispier, lighter, more flavourful Italian pie that’s been around for centuries. Just waiting to steal your heart (and taste buds).
Meet pinsa! The Roman-born, airy, & delicious flatbread taking the food world by storm. The secret is its perfect balance of crunch and chew. That comes with its flour blend and long fermentation process.
But where can you get the best pinsa Romana outside of Italy?
Welcome to Compa, where we celebrate Italian heritage & bring people together.
Our carefully crafted pinsa pizza varieties are made fresh daily. Using the finest ingredients to cook something light, satisfying, and bursting with flavour. So, gather up all pinsa fans. You’ll love our take on this ancient classic.
What is Pinsa?
Pinsa (pronounced peen-sah) is an ancient Roman flatbread. That has recently gained popularity as a healthier & more digestible alternative to traditional pizza.
Unlike its round counterpart, pinsa pizza is oval-shaped, light, and incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and airy inside.
The word pinsa meaning “to press or stretch,” comes from the Latin term “pinsere”. Perfectly describing the hand-pressed technique used to shape it. Wondering Who ceated it first? & where was it until now? Let’s take a peek at history.
A Slice of History: The Origins of Pinsa
You think of pizza as Italy’s most famous flatbread? Pinsa actually predates it by centuries. Pinseria pizza traces back over 2,000 years to Ancient Rome. When peasants and soldiers mix different grains with water to create a simple rustic bread.
Unlike the heavy, yeast-risen dough of modern pizzas. The original pinsa recipe used a mix of millet, barley, and spelt flour. The result was a lighter, more nutritious bread baked on hot stones. Sounds yummy, right?
Over the years, the recipe evolved. And with new grains and techniques, pinsa became the gourmet dish it is today.
Pinsa Today: Modern Touch to Ancient Tradition
Despite its deep historical roots, pinsa has been refined for modern palates. Today, pinsa Romana is made using a special blend of wheat, rice, and soy flour. That gives it a distinct texture and makes it easier to digest.
At Compa, we follow traditional Roman techniques and also add our own twist. So, every bite of our pinsa pizza is light, airy, and full of authentic flavour.
We also give YOU the freedom to add or remove any topping & “make your own” pinsa. Because YOUR taste buds are what matters to us.
Now let’s compare it to its more popular cousin.
Pinsa vs. Pizza: What’s the Difference?
People ask us, “Is there any actual difference between pinsa vs pizza?” The answer is, there is not one, but many.
Let’s discuss them.
| Quality | Pinsa | Pizza |
| Dough Ingredients | Blend of wheat, rice, and soy flour | Mostly wheat flour |
| Fermentation Time | 24-72 hours (long & cold fermentation) | 6-24 hours |
| Sugar Content | No sugar | Sugar is added to dough |
| Shape | Oval | Round |
| Texture | Crispy outside, soft & airy inside | Uniform crust and chewy |
| Moisture Content | Higher hydration, making it lighter | Denser and more filling |
| Digestibility | Easier to digest due to longer fermentation | Can be heavier on the stomach |
Because of its long fermentation and unique flour content. Pinsa tops the traditional pizza by offering:
- fewer calories
- less gluten
- lighter texture
That means you can enjoy more slices without feeling overly full! 😉✌️
The Secret of Pinsa Dough
The magic of pinsa starts with its dough. Unlike regular pizza bread, pinsa dough is made from:
- Rice Flour: Increases moisture retention, making the dough lighter.
- Soy Flour: Reduces fat and adds crispiness to the crust.
- Wheat Flour: Provides the traditional elasticity and structure.
Another secret ingredient is its cold fermentation (resting for up to 72 hours). This slow process enhances the flavour. Creates air pockets for a fluffier texture. And breaks down starches to make pinsa pizza easier to digest.
The Art of Pinsa Toppings
The beauty of pinsa is its versatility. As it offers both classic Italian flavours & bold gourmet combinations. Some popular pinsa food toppings include:
- Fresh tomato sauce or olive oil base
- High-quality Fior di Latte or Mozzarella di Bufala
- Italian cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or speck
- Fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and artichokes
- Aromatic herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary
- Gourmet additions like truffle oil or pistachio cream
Now let’s discover how we toss these toppings to create a sea of varieties for you.
Pinsa Varieties at Compa
At Compa, we celebrate the art of pinsa through our diverse hand-crafted varieties.
Our menu is designed to cater to all tastes. So, you can enjoy the best of both tradition and innovation.
The popular varieties include:
🍕 Pinsa Bianca – White Base
For those who appreciate a creamy, delicate flavour profile. We skipped the tomato base and topped our pinsa pizzas with subtle tastes. E.g.
1. 🌿 Amalfi – A Taste of the Mediterranean
Ingredients: Fior di Latte mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil
Inspired by the breezy, sun-drenched Amalfi Coast. This pinsa gives off a refreshing, light, and authentic Italian taste.
2. 🥩 Bukingo – Harmony of Salt and Freshness
Ingredients: Mozzarella, prosciutto, rocket, cherry tomatoes
This pinsa mixes the depth of Italian prosciutto with the peppery bite of fresh rocket. Presenting a rich and refreshing contrast.
3. 💚 Compa – The House Favourite
Ingredients: Mozzarella, mortadella, pistachio cream
Our signature Compa Pinsa is an elegant balance of flavours with a nutty twist. So, you can enjoy an unforgettable crunchy and creamy combination.
4. 🍄 Rustica – Earthy and Decadent
Ingredients: Mozzarella, Italian sausage, potatoes, truffle oil
This rustic-inspired pinsa is a hearty masterpiece. It brings the warmth of savoury toppings with a drizzle of truffle oil.
🍅 Pinsa Rossa – Red Base
If you love the boldness of tomato sauce, our Pinsa Rossa is the classic Italian choice. Made with San Marzano tomatoes for natural sweetness and balanced acidity.
1. 🧄 Marinara – Simple yet Bold Classic
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, garlic, anchovies, olive oil
Sometimes, simplicity is key. The Marinara pinsa is a true Italian staple with all the richness & boldness.
2. 🌿 Margherita – The Quintessential Favourite
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil
No pinsa menu is complete without a Margherita. This timeless combination of mozzarella with fragrant basil creates a comforting flavour profile.
3. 🔥 Calabria – For the Love of Spice
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami, Nduja, onions
The pinsa bringing heat to your table! When Calabrian Nduja, a spicy spreadable pork sausage, melts into the tomato sauce. A fiery depth of flavour is created.
4. 🍽️ Capricciosa – A Feast of Flavours
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, artichokes, olives
A truly indulgent Italian classic with a hearty mix of toppings. It delivers the layers of complexity in every bite.
5. 🥗 Vegetariana – Celebrating Garden Freshness
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, grilled vegetables
For veggie lovers, this pinsa brings the seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection. Offering sweet, smoky, and savoury notes in every slice.
6. 🍗 Pollaio – For the Chicken Lovers
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, grilled chicken, mushrooms, capsicum
A protein-packed pinsa pairing juicy chicken with earthy mushrooms. So, you can treat your non-veg taste buds with a flavourful bite.
✨ Pinsa Speciale – Signature Creations By Compa
Our Pinsa Speciale lineup features signature recipes crafted with gourmet ingredients. So, gear up and be ready for unique pairings and unexpected twists.
1. 🥓 Pio – Sweet and Savoury Perfection
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, caramelised onions, pancetta
A heavenly mix of textures and tastes. It adds the crispy saltiness of pancetta to caramelised onions for a savoury-sweet combo.
2. 🍯 Marco – A Gourmet Masterpiece
Ingredients: Fior di Latte, gorgonzola, walnuts, honey
Another sweet and savoury contrast. The Marco Pinsa pairs the sharp gorgonzola with golden honey. A symphony of flavours ready to melt in your mouth.
3. 🌞 Amicizia – Mediterranean Delight
Ingredients: Mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, rocket, burrata
Amicizia Pinsa is all about the boldness of Mediterranean. Where tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy burrata come together as a vibrant combo.
4. 🌶️ Peppe – A Spicy and Smoky Twist
Ingredients: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy sausage, roasted peppers
Ready to get a bold kick? Meet spicy Italian sausage and fire-roasted peppers, dipped in a smoky tomato base.
Hungry yet?
Experience Authentic Pinsa at Compa
At Compa, we believe in the magic of good food, close friends, and great conversations. And what’s the better way to celebrate it than a freshly made, stone-baked pinsa?
So, pull up a chair, grab a napkin, and take a delicious trip to the world of pinsa.
Or Visit Us Now
You’re always welcome at our table
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