Pizza Siciliana

A bold and flavorful Sicilian-style pizza, known for its thick, airy crust, rich tomato sauce, and robust toppings like anchovies, olives, and oregano. This square-shaped pizza is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and packed with Mediterranean goodness!

Servings: 8 slices

Total Time: 2.5 hours (including dough rising)

---

Step 1: Sicilian Pizza Dough

(Makes 1 large rectangular pizza, 9x13 inches)

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
• 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1.5–2 hours or until doubled in size.

---

Step 2: Pizza Toppings & Assembly

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
• ¼ cup black olives (sliced)
• 6–8 anchovy fillets (optional, for traditional flavor)
• 1 teaspoon capers (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
2. Shape the Dough: Stretch the risen dough into the greased pan, pressing it evenly to fit the edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheese.
   • Add black olives, anchovies, and capers (if using).
   • For extra heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
5. Bake:
   • Place in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
6. Serve:
   • Let cool slightly, slice into squares, and enjoy!

---

Nutritional Values (Per Slice, 8 Servings)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 2g