Deep Dish Tomato Mozzarella Sicilian Pizza
Deep Dish Tomato Mozzarella Sicilian Pizza
This deep-dish Sicilian pizza features a thick, airy, yet crispy crust that cradles a generous layering of rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic herbs. The dough, central to Sicilian pizza, undergoes a slow fermentation to develop complex flavors and a tender crumb with a satisfying chew. Baked to a golden perfection, the substantial crust provides a sturdy base for its vibrant toppings. Each bite delivers a comforting blend of savory and slightly sweet notes, evoking traditional Sicilian kitchens. This recipe, with its rustic charm and robust flavors, transforms home pizza-making into an authentic culinary experience, offering a delightful contrast to thinner pizza styles and making it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
- Preparation time
- 2 hrs
- Cooking time
- 30 min
- Total time
- 2 hrs 30 min
- Servings
- 6
Instructions
Dough Preparation
- 1In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- 2Stir in olive oil and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- 4Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Sauce Preparation
- 1While the dough is rising, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside.
Assembly and Baking
- 1Preheat your oven to 450F (230C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with olive oil.
- 2Gently punch down the risen dough and carefully transfer it to the prepared baking pan. Using your fingertips, press and stretch the dough to cover the entire bottom of the pan.
- 3Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 4Distribute the fresh mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella over the sauce, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.
- 5Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
- 6Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 481 kcal
- Protein
- 18 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Carbs
- 62 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 481 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Carbs | 62 g |
Tips
- For an extra crispy bottom crust, sprinkle a thin layer of fine semolina or breadcrumbs over the olive oil in the baking pan before adding the dough.
- Avoid overcrowding the toppings to ensure even baking and a crisp crust, characteristic of Sicilian pizza.
- Allow the pizza to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps the cheese set and prevents toppings from sliding off when sliced.