Recipe: Sfincione Pizza

Introduction

Sfincione pizza is a traditional Sicilian dish that has gained popularity worldwide. This delicious pizza is known for its thick, fluffy crust and flavorful toppings. In this article, we will explore the recipe for making sfincione pizza from scratch.

Ingredients

For the dough:

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

For the sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings:

• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Dried oregano for sprinkling

Instructions

Making the dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Gradually mix the flour into the wet ingredients until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Preparing the sauce:

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Assembling the pizza:

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza stone.
2. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Use your hands to press and stretch the dough to fit the pan.
3. Spread the cooled sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle grated pecorino cheese, breadcrumbs, and thinly sliced onions over the sauce.
5. Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle with dried oregano.

Baking and serving:

1. Bake the sfincione pizza in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
3. Serve the sfincione pizza hot and enjoy!

Conclusion

Sfincione pizza is a delightful Sicilian specialty that will surely impress your taste buds. With its thick crust, flavorful sauce, and savory toppings, this pizza is a perfect choice for pizza lovers looking to try something new. Follow this recipe, and you’ll be able to enjoy the authentic taste of sfincione pizza in the comfort of your own home.