How to Make a Sicilian Pizza?

How to Make a Sicilian Pizza: A Culinary Journey in Every Bite

Ah, Sicilian pizza. Have you ever sunk your teeth into a slice of this thick-crust wonder? If you have, you’ll agree that it’s not just a pizza; it’s an experience. 

And if you haven’t? Well, buddy, you’re in for a delightful treat! Let’s dive right into the heart of Sicily without actually booking a flight ticket. 

Ready? 

Sicilian Pizza Ingredients 

Following are the ingredients to prepare the recipe.

For the Dough:

• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups of warm water
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

The Sauce:

• 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings: (Because what’s a pizza without its glamorous toppings, right?)

• 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup of sliced black olives
• ¼ cup of capers (optional, but oh-so-tasty)
• A sprinkle of oregano and red chilli flakes

Preparation:

Follow the steps below. 

1. Prepare Dough 

Start with the dough because, let’s face it, a good pizza starts with an even better base. Dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. 

Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes frothy. (It’s almost like watching a mini science experiment in your kitchen.) In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly mix in the yeast mixture and olive oil. 

Knead until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 2 hours.

2. Prepare Sauce

While our dough is getting its beauty rest, let’s whip up the sauce. In a blender, blend the tomatoes until smooth. In a saucepan, sauté the garlic for a minute, pour the blended tomatoes, and add the basil. 

Season with salt and pepper. Simmer this aromatic mixture for about 20 minutes. The result? A sauce you’d probably eat by the spoonful!

3. Topping Time

Now, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough on a greased baking sheet. Remember, Sicilian pizza boasts a thick crust, so aim for about ¾ inch thickness. 

Generously spread the sauce, layer with mozzarella, and artfully arrange the cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers. Finish with a sprinkle of oregano and chilli flakes.

4. Bake to Perfection

Pop that beauty in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns a lovely golden brown and the cheese is melty and slightly bubbly. Is there a sight more mouthwatering?

Nutritional Benefits

Now, besides its divine taste, did you know Sicilian pizza offers a decent dose of nutrition? Tomatoes contain vitamin C and antioxidants, while olives and olive oil contribute healthy fats. 

Cheese, of course, provides calcium and protein. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add an array of veggies or lean meats to amp up the nutrition.

So, what’s stopping you? Isn’t it amazing how a simple dish can transport you to a different part of the world? Dive into this recipe and savour the taste of Sicily in every bite! 

How do you like your pizza? 

Extra cheesy? With a dash of extra spice? Or loaded with veggies? Whatever your favourite topping, a good Sicilian base will elevate it. Happy cooking!

What is Sicilian Pizza?

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Sicilian pizza? Originating from Sicily in Italy, this pizza is known for its thick crust, which is soft and bread-like in the center and crispy on the bottom. 

Typically rectangular, it’s a far cry from the thin-crust Neapolitan pizza many are accustomed to. A Sicilian pizza slice is hearty and can accommodate a generous array of toppings.

Best Sicilian Pizza Dough Recipe

Okay, pizza aficionados, let’s get our hands doughy! The Sicilian pizza dough is what differentiates it from other pizzas. This isn’t just any pizza dough; it’s The Sicilian pizza dough recipe.

1. In a bowl, dissolve a teaspoon of sugar in 1 ½ cups of warm water. 
2. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and let it sit until frothy.
3. In another bowl, mix 4 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of salt.
4. Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Get in there and knead!
5. Once your dough is smooth, place it in a greased bowl and let it rest and rise.

America’s Test Kitchen Sicilian Pizza Recipe

Taking inspiration from America’s Test Kitchen, they propose a similar approach with a few tweaks. They suggest combining bread flour for a chewier texture and letting the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight for more flavour development. 

Additionally, they advocate for the double bake method – first baking the crust alone until it’s lightly golden, then adding the toppings and baking until perfection. This ensures the crispiest crust with the most luscious toppings.

Nutritional Round-Up:

You might be wondering about the Sicilian pizza calories. Given its thick crust, a Sicilian pizza slice might pack more calories than its thin-crust counterpart. 

However, the exact calories in Sicilian pizza depend on the toppings and portion size. But let’s be honest, every bite is worth it!

Time to Jazz it Up:

The best part of making pizza? Customization! While traditional toppings reign supreme, don’t let that stop you. What do you think are the best Sicilian pizza toppings? 

Some love a good assortment of meats, while others swear by an all-veggie topping. The choices are endless.

Looking for an easy Sicilian pizza recipe? 

Just follow the steps above, and you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pizza maker, the simplicity and deliciousness of this pizza will keep you coming back for more.

Essentially, a slice of Sicilian pizza isn’t just food; it’s a journey – a tale of tradition, love, and culinary excellence. So, are you ready to embark on this flavorful adventure?

Final Words

Sicilian pizza is more than just another type of pizza; it celebrates Sicilian culinary tradition and culture. With its distinctive thick crust and rich toppings, every slice tells a story of the island’s vibrant history and love for good food. 

Whether you’re looking to recreate a memory from a trip to Sicily or want to try something different in your kitchen, Sicilian Pizza offers a hearty and delightful experience. 

And remember, the beauty of pizza is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to put your own twist on it! Ready to give it a try?

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