What early topping was documented on Neapolitan flatbreads before the tomato topping became common?
Answer
Lard, cheese, and basil
The historical progression of Neapolitan pizza involved several iterations before the tomato became the standard defining sauce. The earliest documented evidence of these specific flatbreads, sold as street food to the *lazzaroni*, often referenced toppings that were more readily available or traditional staples before the tomato took hold. These initial documented versions frequently included lard (animal fat), local cheese, and basil. The famous tomato-based topping, although central today, only became ubiquitous later on, following the gradual acceptance of the fruit in Neapolitan cuisine.
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