sicilian pizza
Sicilian pizza lovers, enjoy a lighter and healthy crust packed with Mediterranean flavor. Simple steps, classic taste. Try today!
Ingredients
Method
Dough Preparation
- Combine whole wheat flour, dry yeast, sea salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
Topping & Baking
- Flatten the risen dough onto a lightly oiled rectangular baking sheet or pan, spreading it evenly.
- Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a 1cm edge.
- Top with mozzarella, parmesan, sliced red onion, black olives, and capers.
- Sprinkle dried oregano across the pizza and drizzle with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and finish with freshly torn basil. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
This Sicilian pizza recipe is proof that delicious and satisfying doesn’t have to mean complicated. Known for its thick, airy crust and rustic toppings, Sicilian pizza adapts beautifully to both simple weeknight dinners and festive occasions. Its versatility lets you experiment with your favorite Mediterranean ingredients or whatever you have handy in your fridge.
Practical Tips for Success
- Use very warm (not hot) water to activate the yeast. Too hot, and it could kill the yeast; too cold, and the dough may not rise as desired.
- If you prefer a lighter crust, you can swap half the whole wheat flour with bread flour, which improves elasticity and makes the pizza puffier.
- Stretch the dough gently with your fingertips rather than using a rolling pin. This helps maintain some of the air bubbles that give Sicilian pizza its characteristic fluffy texture.
- No black olives on hand? Sliced mushrooms or roasted bell peppers are fantastic and add pleasing complexity.
- Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings if you prefer a crispier bottom.
Enhance Your Cooking Techniques
- Press dimples into the dough with your fingertips before topping—this traditional step helps prevent big air pockets and ensures even sauce coverage.
- Allowing the dough to rest a second time in the pan for 10-15 minutes before baking can yield an even fluffier result.
- For a more robust flavor, mix a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried Italian herbs into the dough.
Serving, Variations, and Pairings
- Sicilian pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon and olive oil or a tangy tomato salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
- For a vegan version, substitute with your favorite plant-based cheese or use a generous layer of sautéed spinach and mushrooms for extra heartiness.
- Serve in squares rather than slices, as is traditional, for an authentic Sicilian experience.
