Coca is a pastry dough which is typical of the Mediterranean coast both in the Valencian Community, Catalonia, the eastern area of Aragon and the Balearic Islands.
It is not only used for sweet desserts, but it is also ideal for making savory preparations. Chef José Andrés himself defines it as a bread that allows for various fillings. In fact, he reported on his blog that the coca he had consumed in Valencia “I think they were the original inspiration for pizza!”.
The chef explained that their preparation takes time and love, but the results allow you to connect with this traditional Spanish delicacy.
The best of Valencia according to José Andrés
The chef went to Valencia to record an episode of his program “José Andrés and his family in Spain”. So he visited a family bakery that captivated him. In this episode, he said that Valencians believe that pizza was invented there and that it served as inspiration for the italian pizzaexcept one has a tomato and cheese base, while the other allows almost any ingredient.
In fact, he assured that when he tells people that Valencia invented pizza and they don’t believe him, he shows them the Coke.
The place that the Spanish chef talks about so much is located in the heart of historic center of Valencia, Ercilla Street, 17 and its name is Horno y Pastelería Alfonso Martínez. This place that opened its doors in 1886 is dedicated to making sweet, savory and even gluten-free breads, sweets, cakes, roasted pumpkins and of course Coca-Cola.
So, the typical cokes of San Juan festivities which were made years later – according to legend – to avoid wasting leftover bread dough, could be the cause of the existence of pizza.
