When it comes to pizza, the variety of styles is as vast as the regions of Italy themselves. While Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas often dominate the spotlight, Little Sicily Pizza offers a unique take rooted in rich Sicilian tradition. Combining the hearty, bold flavors of Sicily with modern twists, Little Sicily Pizza stands out for its thick, satisfying crust, robust toppings, and the fusion of old-world authenticity with contemporary appeal.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the history, unique characteristics, and flavors of Little Sicily Pizza, how it differs from other styles, and how you can make this pizza at home. We’ll also tackle some frequently asked questions about this delicious variety.
The Roots of Little Sicily Pizza: A Culinary Tradition
Sicilian pizza, or Sfincione, has a long history that predates the pizza we know today. While Naples is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern pizza, Sicily was making its own versions of flatbread long before pizza became a global sensation. Sicilian flatbreads were topped with simple, flavorful ingredients like olive oil, anchovies, and local cheeses.
Sfincione, the traditional Sicilian pizza, is characterized by its thick, spongy dough and generous toppings of rich tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Unlike the thin, crispy crusts of Neapolitan or Roman pizzas, Sicilian pizza is baked in rectangular pans, resulting in a thick, fluffy base that absorbs the rich flavors of its toppings.
Little Sicily Pizza draws inspiration from these roots, modernizing the traditional Sicilian pizza with creative toppings and new techniques. While it retains the thick, airy crust that Sicilian pizza is known for, Little Sicily Pizza is often topped with a broader variety of ingredients, offering a fusion of flavors that appeal to contemporary pizza lovers.
What Makes Little Sicily Pizza Unique?
Little Sicily Pizza is known for its distinct characteristics that set it apart from other pizza styles. While it honors Sicilian tradition, it brings its own modern flair, making it both familiar and exciting for pizza enthusiasts.These are the essential features that characterize this style:
1. The Thick, Focaccia-Like Crust
One of the standout features of this Pizza is its thick, airy crust. The dough, similar to focaccia, is made with a high hydration ratio, which gives it a spongy, soft texture. This dough is usually allowed to rise slowly, resulting in a light and airy interior with a crispy bottom after baking. The thicker crust allows for a sturdy base that can hold up to generous amounts of sauce, cheese, and toppings.
The dough is typically baked in rectangular or square pans, creating the iconic shape associated with Sicilian-style pizza. The outer edges of the crust are often golden and crispy, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft, pillowy interior.
2. Robust, Flavorful Sauce
The tomato sauce used in Little Sicily Pizza is often more robust than in other pizza varieties. It’s typically made with a blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like oregano and basil, sometimes simmered with olive oil to develop a richer, more concentrated flavor. Unlike thin-crust pizzas where the sauce is more delicate, Little Sicily Pizza features a bold sauce that stands out against the thicker crust.
3. Generous Toppings
Little Sicily Pizza doesn’t shy away from toppings. While traditional Sicilian pizza focuses on a few key ingredients like onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs, Little Sicily embraces a more modern, generous approach. Mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, and even fresh vegetables like roasted peppers and artichokes are common toppings.
Meat lovers can find toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and even prosciutto gracing a Sicily pizza, adding layers of flavor that balance the rich sauce and hearty crust. For a more contemporary twist, some versions even include unconventional ingredients like truffle oil, balsamic reduction, or specialty cheeses like burrata.
4. The Square Shape
True to Sicilian tradition, Little Sicily Pizza is typically baked in a rectangular or square pan. This gives it a distinct shape that stands out from the round pies of Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas. The square slices make it perfect for sharing, as each piece has its own crispy edges and soft interior, giving diners a well-balanced bite every time.
Little Sicily Pizza vs. Other Pizza Styles
Pizza styles vary greatly depending on their region, and Little Sicilian Pizza is no exception. Here’s how it stacks up against other well-known pizza varieties:
1. Neapolitan Pizza vs. Little Sicily Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is known for its soft, thin crust, minimal toppings, and the use of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. In contrast, Little Sicily Pizza has a thicker, focaccia-like crust with more robust, hearty toppings. Neapolitan pizza is usually cooked at high temperatures for a short amount of time, while Little Sicilian Pizza is baked more slowly to ensure a fully cooked, fluffy crust.
2. Chicago Deep-Dish vs. Little Sicily Pizza
Chicago deep-dish pizza shares some similarities with Sicily Pizza in terms of its thick crust and generous toppings, but there are key differences. Deep-dish pizza is baked in a tall pan with the sauce on top of the cheese and toppings, whereas Little Sicily Pizza has the sauce underneath the cheese. Additionally, the crust of Little Sicily Pizza is more airy and spongy, whereas deep-dish crust tends to be dense and buttery.
3. Roman Pizza vs. Little Sicily Pizza
Roman pizza comes in two main styles: pizza al taglio (cut by the slice) and pizza tonda (round). Roman pizza, particularly pizza al taglio, is often served in rectangular slices similar to Little Sicily Pizza, but the crust is thinner and crispier. Little Sicily Pizza’s thicker crust and heartier toppings make it more filling and robust in comparison.
How to Make Little Sicily Pizza at Home
If you want to experience the deliciousness of Little Sicilian Pizza for yourself, you can make it at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. With its thick, flavorful crust and bold toppings, this pizza is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus extra for greasing the pan
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28) of crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pecorino Romano cheese or 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan
- Sliced pepperoni (optional)
- Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- Roasted bell peppers (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix the warm water,and yeast with sugar. Allow it to rest .
- In a mixing bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
- Turn the dough and knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat the olive oil . Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Dough and Add Toppings
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease a rectangular or square baking pan with olive oil.
- Punch down the risen dough and stretch it out to fit the prepared baking pan, pressing the dough into the corners.
- Spread an even layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce. Add any additional toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, or roasted peppers.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Little Sicily Pizza
1. What makes Little Sicily Pizza different from regular Sicilian pizza?
Little Sicily Pizza is a modernized version of traditional Sicilian pizza (Sfincione). While it retains the thick, airy crust and robust sauce of traditional Sicilian pizza, Little Sicily Pizza incorporates a wider variety of toppings, including more contemporary options like gourmet cheeses, meats, and vegetables. It blends the old-world flavors with modern culinary trends.
2. Can I make Little Sicily Pizza without a rectangular pan?
Yes, while this Pizza is traditionally baked in a rectangular or square pan, you can use a round pizza pan or even a standard baking sheet. The key is to
spread the dough evenly and give it enough room to rise during baking.
3. What is the best type of cheese for Little Sicily Pizza?
Mozzarella is the most common cheese used for this Pizza, but you can also use a blend of cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or Parmesan for added flavor and texture. For a more gourmet touch, consider adding fresh mozzarella or burrata after baking.
4. Is Little Sicily Pizza similar to deep-dish pizza?
While both Little Sicily Pizza and deep-dish pizza have thicker crusts, they are quite different. Little Sicily Pizza has a lighter, airy crust that’s more like focaccia, whereas deep-dish pizza has a denser, buttery crust. Additionally, Little Sicily Pizza has a more traditional topping-to-crust ratio, while deep-dish pizza tends to have layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings.
5. Can I make a vegetarian version of Little Sicily Pizza?
Absolutely! this Pizza is versatile and can easily be made vegetarian. Opt for toppings like roasted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms), olives, spinach, or artichokes. You can also experiment with cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese for added creaminess.
Conclusion: Little Sicily Pizza – A Slice of Tradition with Modern Flair
Little Sicily Pizza is the perfect fusion of old-world Sicilian tradition and contemporary flavors. With its thick, airy crust, bold sauce, and a generous array of toppings, it offers a satisfying, flavorful pizza experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re enjoying a classic version topped with mozzarella and pepperoni or experimenting with new gourmet toppings, Little Sicily Pizza is a versatile and delicious option for pizza lovers of all kinds.