Sicilian pizza

Pizzolo

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Sicilian-style Pizza

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Sicilian pizza

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Sicilian slice - Carmine's Original Pizza

Southsea Street-Financial District (Adrienne's Pizza Parlor) Sicilian Pizza

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L&B Spumoni Gardens pizza (41436)

Sicilian pizza

Alternative names	Sfincione
Type	Pizza
Course	Main course
Place of origin	Italy
Region or state	Sicily
Serving temperature	Hot
Main ingredients	Dough, tomato sauce, cheese, anchovies, onions, herbs
Cookbook: Sicilian pizza   Media: Sicilian pizza

Sicilian pizza (

) is a type of pizza that originated in Sicily, Italy. It is known for its thick crust and rectangular shape, distinguishing it from the more common Neapolitan pizza.

History

Sicilian pizza has its roots in the traditional dish called sfincione, which dates back to the 17th century. Sfincione was originally a festive dish, prepared for special occasions and holidays. The name sfincione is derived from the Latin word spongia, meaning sponge, which refers to the soft and spongy texture of the dough.

Characteristics

Sicilian pizza is typically characterized by its thick, spongy crust, which is often compared to a focaccia bread. The dough is usually made with a higher hydration level, resulting in a softer and more airy texture. The pizza is traditionally baked in a rectangular pan, giving it its distinctive shape.

The toppings for Sicilian pizza can vary, but a classic version includes a layer of tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and herbs, topped with grated cheese. Unlike New York-style pizza, which uses mozzarella cheese, Sicilian pizza often uses a combination of cheeses, including caciocavallo or pecorino.

Regional Variations

There are several regional variations of Sicilian pizza within Sicily itself. In Palermo, the pizza is known as sfincione and is typically topped with a tomato-based sauce, onions, anchovies, and grated cheese. In Catania, a similar dish called scacciata is popular, which includes additional ingredients such as potatoes and sausage.

Sicilian Pizza in the United States

Sicilian pizza was brought to the United States by Italian-American immigrants in the early 20th century. It has since become a popular style of pizza in many parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast United States. In the U.S., Sicilian pizza is often made with a thicker crust and a variety of toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, and vegetables.

See also

• Pizza
• Neapolitan pizza
• Italian cuisine
• Focaccia
• List of pizza varieties by country