Truffle oil is a luxurious and flavorful option for a base sauce for pizza. It's made by infusing oil with the essence of truffle, a type of edible mushroom that is prized for its rich, earthy flavor and aroma. Truffle oil can be drizzled over the pizza before baking, or used as a finishing oil after the pizza is cooked.
This type of fungi grows underground, typically near the roots of certain trees. They can be found in many parts of the world, but the most famous and highly sought-after truffles are those found in the wild in the forests of Europe, particularly in France, Italy and Spain.
Truffles are difficult to cultivate and are typically found by trained animals, mostly dogs and pigs, which are able to locate them by their scent. The truffle hunters and their animals venture into the forest in search of the precious fungi and they dig them out from the ground.
They can also be found in other parts of the world, such as North America, Australia, and China but like any fungi their quality and taste may vary. Some species of truffles are even cultivated, the most common of which are the Burgundy Truffle and the Périgord Truffle.
When using truffle oil as a base sauce for pizza, less is more. A small amount of truffle oil can go a long way in adding depth and complexity to a pizza. Usually, a small drizzle on top of the pizza is enough to add a touch of truffle aroma to the pizza. This makes it a perfect base sauce to pair with other toppings that are strong in flavor such as gorgonzola, mushrooms, and prosciutto.
When using truffle oil it's also essential to choose quality product, as not all truffle oils are made with real truffles and some are artificially flavored. Truffle oil can be quite expensive, so it's best used as a finishing oil rather than a cooking oil.
With truffle oil as a base sauce for pizza, it creates an elevated and sophisticated pizza that's perfect for special occasions and celebrations. It can add a unique and rich flavor to pizza that's hard to replicate with other ingredients.
