Sicilian style pizza is a beloved variation of pizza that has a unique history and distinct characteristics. It is known for its thick, airy crust, rectangular shape, and a generous topping of cheese and sauce. This type of pizza has roots in Sicily, an island off the coast of Italy, and over the centuries, it has evolved into one of the most popular pizza styles worldwide.
Sicilian pizza is different from other types, like the classic Neapolitan pizza, not only in its shape but also in its texture and the way it’s made. With its deep, crispy crust and rich toppings, Sicilian pizza has earned a place in the hearts of pizza lovers everywhere. In this article, we will explore what Sicilian pizza is, its history, its key ingredients, and how it is made.
The History of Sicilian Style Pizza
The history of Sicilian pizza dates back centuries. It’s believed that Sicilian pizza originated in the 19th century in Sicily, Italy. While the exact details of its origin are unclear, the style likely evolved from the Arab influence on the island during the Middle Ages. Arabs introduced ingredients like tomatoes and spices, which would later become essential components in Sicilian pizza.
Traditionally, Sicilian pizza was considered a street food. It was often sold by the slice, making it a convenient and tasty meal for people on the go. Sicilian pizza was different from the thin, round pizzas of Naples because of its square or rectangular shape and thick, focaccia-like dough.
When Italian immigrants moved to the United States in the early 20th century, they brought Sicilian pizza with them. Over time, this style of pizza became popular in various parts of the country, especially in New York and Chicago. In fact, many people today associate Sicilian pizza with New York-style pizza, which has its roots in the Sicilian tradition.
Key Characteristics of Sicilian Style Pizza
Sicilian pizza stands out because of its distinctive characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this pizza so unique.
Thick, Airy Crust
One of the most notable features of Sicilian pizza is its crust. It is thick and has a soft, airy interior. The dough is often made with a high hydration ratio, meaning it contains a lot of water, which helps create a light and fluffy texture inside. The outer crust is crispy and golden brown, providing a satisfying crunch when you bite into it. This contrasts with the thin, crisp crusts of other pizza styles.
Rectangular or Square Shape
Unlike traditional round pizzas, Sicilian pizza is typically baked in a rectangular or square pan. This shape makes it easier to cut into large, square slices, which is ideal for serving at gatherings or parties. The shape also allows for more toppings and cheese, giving each slice a hearty and satisfying portion.
Generous Amount of Toppings
Sicilian pizza is known for its generous toppings. The pizza is often layered with a thick tomato sauce, a mix of cheeses (including mozzarella), and a variety of meats, vegetables, or herbs. While the classic Sicilian pizza is topped with just cheese and sauce, variations can include ingredients like pepperoni, olives, onions, anchovies, or even mushrooms.
Baked in a Pan
Another feature of Sicilian pizza is the way it is baked. It is typically baked in a rectangular metal pan, which gives the pizza its thick crust and helps create the crispy edges. The pan allows the dough to rise evenly and ensures the crust doesn’t burn while baking. This method also helps retain moisture, so the crust remains soft on the inside.
Tomato Sauce on Top
Unlike some other pizza styles, where the sauce is spread underneath the cheese, Sicilian pizza often has the tomato sauce on top of the cheese. This helps keep the crust from becoming soggy and ensures that the sauce stays rich and flavorful.
Traditional Sicilian Pizza vs. American Sicilian Pizza
While the original Sicilian pizza from Italy is delicious in its own right, it has undergone some changes when it made its way to the United States. Let’s explore the difference between traditional Sicilian pizza and the Americanized version.
Traditional Sicilian Pizza
Traditional Sicilian pizza, known as “Sfincione,” is made with a simple dough that is allowed to rise slowly to develop flavor. The dough is spread out in a square pan, and the pizza is topped with a generous amount of tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and sometimes breadcrumbs for extra texture. The cheese used in traditional Sicilian pizza is often a combination of mozzarella and pecorino, which gives the pizza a unique taste.
The crust of traditional Sicilian pizza is typically thicker than that of Neapolitan pizza, but not as thick as what you might find in American versions. The focus is on the balance of flavors and textures, with the crust providing a light and airy base for the rich sauce and toppings.
American Sicilian Pizza
When Sicilian pizza made its way to the United States, it was adapted to suit the tastes of Americans. The American version of Sicilian pizza tends to have a much thicker crust, often approaching a deep-dish pizza in texture. The cheese is usually a blend of mozzarella and other cheeses, and the sauce is often more tomato-heavy.
American Sicilian pizza is also known for its larger, rectangular shape, which makes it easier to cut into individual slices. The pizza is often piled high with a variety of toppings, and it can be quite filling, making it a popular choice for family meals or pizza parties.
How to Make Sicilian Pizza at Home
Making Sicilian pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. While the process may take a little longer than making a traditional pizza, the results are well worth it. Here’s how you can make your own Sicilian pizza:
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the toppings:
- 2 cups of mozzarella cheese (preferably fresh)
- 1 ½ cups of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, olives, onions, anchovies, mushrooms
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy. Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking pan with olive oil.
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the greased pan. Use your fingers to press the dough into the corners of the pan, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Add the Toppings
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top. Add any other toppings you desire, such as pepperoni, olives, or onions.
Bake the Pizza
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares and serving.
Conclusion
Sicilian style pizza is a delicious and satisfying variation of pizza that is known for its thick, airy crust, rectangular shape, and generous toppings. With its rich history and unique preparation methods, it has become a favorite in many parts of the world. Whether you’re enjoying a slice at a pizzeria or making it at home, Sicilian pizza offers a hearty and flavorful experience that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re a seasoned pizza enthusiast or someone new to the world of pizza, trying Sicilian pizza is a must. Its bold flavors and satisfying texture make it an excellent choice for any pizza lover.
Related topic:
- The Ultimate Guide to Pizza Cheese: Types, Uses, and Tips
- How Much Oil in Pizza Dough?
- What Cheese is Good for Pizza?
