S4 Ep 1: The History Of Pita Pizza With Guest Ally Hord
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the witty and talented Ally Hord, a writer for Late Night with Seth Meyers. We dove deep into her favorite cuisine—pita pizza, and I can't wait to share this delightful culinary journey with you.
Introducing the Pita Pizza Phenomenon
I love talking about food, and it's even better with a guest who shares the same passion. Ally welcomed us into her delightful world of culinary preferences, starting with creamy chicken and jalapeño pita pizza, a dish that carries a special place in her heart thanks to her mom.
It's not just any snack; it's a cherished memory brought to life by her mother's adventurous cooking style, often inspired by recipes found on the backs of packaging. Picture this—spring break, a pool full of sunbathers, and a kitchen lacking some essentials due to an impending move. Yet, Ally’s mom whipped up what would become a legendary family favorite—creamy chicken and jalapeño pita pizza.
Recipe and its Roots
The creation was not labeled as nachos, despite some online misnomers; it's made like a pizza, cut like a pizza, and feels like pizza through and through. With spring break vibes in the air and a hint of herbal enthusiasm, this dish quickly became a staple among Ally’s college friends, prompting her to share the recipe with everyone eager to recreate this culinary wonder.
The recipe? It involves mixing cooked, pulled chicken with cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and jalapeño peppers into a paste. Spread this delicious blend on pitas, top with cheese, bake, and you have a treat that can be savored solo or at gatherings, enjoyed endlessly without guilt or an upset stomach.
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CREAMY CHICKEN AND JALAPENO PITA PIZZAS RECIPE:
Ingredients
1 whole chicken breast, poached, skinned, boned, and diced
12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
3 tablespoons chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 medium-sized pita, each cut and separated into 2 rounds
Directions
1. preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Combine the chicken, cream cheese, jalapeno peppers, onion,
garlic, cumin, chili powder, and grated cheese in a large mixer bowl.
Beat with an electric mixer until blended. Season to taste with salt
and pepper.
3. Spread each pita round with a generous amount of the filling.
Place on cookie sheets and bake until puffed and bubbling, 5 to 7 minutes. Immediately cut into mini pizza slices or nacho-like triangles. Your guests will ask you to make 500 more of these.
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Pita and Pizza: A Journey Through Time
Did you know that the words pita and pizza share Greek roots, both stemming from the word 'pita', meaning pitch—a sticky tree resin—owing to its flat, layer-like appearance? The Greeks used this word for flatbreads before gifting it to the Italian lexicon, where it evolved into the now-iconic 'pizza'. Pita also journeyed through history, spreading across regions and adopting new forms.
In modernity, pita often refers to thicker phyllo pies like spanakopita in Greece. Globally, this humble bread has transformed into ultra-thin delicacies or hearty, stuffed marvels, each iteration telling a story of cultural exchange and innovation.
A Love for All Things Pizza
No talk of pita pizza would be complete without a nod to its cousin, pizza. From street food in Naples to a beloved American staple, pizza boasts a rich history filled with royal endorsements and tasty evolutions. Pioneered by Neapolitan immigrants in the U.S., pizza became a household name post-World War II, evolving into a canvas for creative toppings that transcends cultural boundaries.
Currently, pita pizza embodies this spirit of adaptability, embraced by home chefs and celebrity cooks alike. It's a testament to simplicity and flavor, a dish that is as convenient as it is delightful.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation
As our conversation with Ally revealed, pita pizza isn't just about the ingredients; it's about the memories and joy it brings to people. It’s a dish that fits any occasion and suits various palates with its versatile preparation.
Ally loves it because of the nostalgia and connection to family, and I find it fascinating because it encapsulates both history and personal stories. Will you give this intriguing twist on traditional pizza a try?
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