Name: Broccoli Rabe and Italian Sausage Sicilian Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian cuisine
Ingredients: 1 lb sicilian pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 lb broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped); 1 lb italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed); 2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp salt (or to taste); 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)

A large, square slice of Sicilian pizza showcasing its thick, golden-brown crust, generously piled with bright green broccoli rabe, rich crumbled Italian sausage, and an abundance of melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese. The pizza sits on a rustic wooden cutting board, with other slices blurring softly in the background, suggesting a family-style meal. The toppings are vibrant and textured, with hints

Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched island of Sicily with this robust and mouth-watering pizza featuring rich Italian sausage and earthy broccoli rabe. Sicilian pizza, or sfincione, is characterized by its thick, airy, focaccia-like crust, perfect for soaking up all the flavorful juices. This isn't your average thin-crust pizza; it's a hearty, satisfying meal designed to feed a crowd and embrace bold flavors. The slight bitterness of the blanched broccoli rabe beautifully cuts through the savory, fennel-infused Italian sausage, creating a harmonious balance that's truly irresistible. A generous layer of mild, melted mozzarella cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes add a creamy texture and a subtle warmth, making each bite an exploration of taste and texture. This recipe celebrates traditional Sicilian ingredients and techniques, demonstrating how simple, high-quality components can create an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether it's for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or an impressive appetizer, this homemade Sicilian pizza will surely become a cherished favorite, bringing the rustic charm and comforting flavors of Southern Italy right into your kitchen. Prepare for a complex delight that showcases the beautiful interplay of textures and tastes found in classic cuisine. It’s a true testament to the island's culinary heritage, offering a slice of authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Preparation time: 30 min
Cooking time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Servings: 8

Instructions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or a round, deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed broccoli rabe and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain well and squeeze out any excess water. Roughly chop if needed.
3In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
4In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to meld with the garlic and pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper.
5Press or roll out the Sicilian pizza dough into the prepared baking pan, extending it to the edges. Ensure the dough is of even thickness, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, characteristic of Sicilian pizza.
6Evenly spread the sautéed broccoli rabe over the pizza dough. Then, scatter the cooked Italian sausage over the broccoli rabe.
7Generously top the pizza with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly with slightly browned edges. For an extra crispy crust, you can carefully slide the pizza off the pan directly onto the oven rack for the last 5 minutes of baking.
9Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and for easier cutting.

Instructions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or a round, deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed broccoli rabe and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp. Drain well and squeeze out any excess water. Roughly chop if needed.
3In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
4In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to meld with the garlic and pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper.
5Press or roll out the Sicilian pizza dough into the prepared baking pan, extending it to the edges. Ensure the dough is of even thickness, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, characteristic of Sicilian pizza.
6Evenly spread the sautéed broccoli rabe over the pizza dough. Then, scatter the cooked Italian sausage over the broccoli rabe.
7Generously top the pizza with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
8Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly with slightly browned edges. For an extra crispy crust, you can carefully slide the pizza off the pan directly onto the oven rack for the last 5 minutes of baking.
9Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set and for easier cutting.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 451 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbs: 35 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	451 kcal
Protein	22 g
Fat	26 g
Carbs	35 g

Tips

For a truly authentic focaccia-like crust, allow the dough to rise in the pan for an additional 20-30 minutes before adding toppings.
Don't skip blanching the broccoli rabe; it mellows its natural bitterness and ensures it cooks evenly on the pizza.
A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving enhances the flavors and adds a beautiful sheen.