Pizza SICILIANA

Pizza Siciliana, known as Sfincione, is an esteemed Italian dish originating from Sicily. This pizza style has a distinct history and unique characteristics that set it apart from the more famous Neapolitan version. An exploration of Sicilian pizza will be conducted, emphasizing its origins, ingredients, and cultural significance.

The origins of Pizza Siciliana trace back to the mid-19th century in the western region of Sicily. This dish originates from focaccia, a traditional flatbread that has been significant in Italian culinary history for centuries. The term “sfincione” can be understood as “thick sponge,” a characterization that precisely captures the unique crust of this pizza.

Historically, sfincione has been linked to important occasions, such as Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Good Friday. The increase in popularity was substantial, solidifying its status as a year-round favorite in Sicily. This trend subsequently spread to additional regions of Italy and, ultimately, to the United States via Italian immigrants.

The primary feature of Pizza Siciliana is its significant, light crust. Sicilian pizza features a bread structure reminiscent of focaccia, typically measuring about an inch in thickness, distinguishing it from the thin, crispy base associated with Neapolitan pizza. The dough is composed of flour, water, yeast, and olive oil, which experiences a rising process before being formed into a well-oiled square or rectangular baking pan.

Traditional Neapolitan pizzas are usually round, while Sicilian pizzas are often square or rectangular in shape. The observed shape results from the baking process, where the dough is spread in a pan rather than being manually stretched.

Authentic Sicilian pizza generally features a unique combination of toppings:

• Onions sautéed in olive oil

• Anchovies

• Tomatoes

• Herbs (particularly oregano)

• Strong cheeses like caciocavallo or toma

• Breadcrumbs

Traditional sfincione is characterized by the absence of mozzarella cheese, primarily due to the limited availability of cow’s milk in Sicily, in contrast to the more accessible sheep’s or goat’s milk.

The sauce is typically placed on top of the other elements to prevent it from being absorbed into the thick crust. This method ensures that the base maintains a delicate and buoyant texture, while the top layer is rich in flavor and displays a subtle crispness.

Pizza Siciliana showcases various regional adaptations across Sicily, highlighting the distinct culinary traditions present in the region.

• Palermo: This dish is defined by its traditional sfincione style, showcasing a robust crust that is layered with tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and caciocavallo cheese.

• Catania: Catania is known for its “scacciata,” a dish that may include toppings like tuma cheese and anchovies, or, on the other hand, potatoes, sausages, broccoli, and tomato sauce.

• Messina: Messina offers the “focaccia alla messinese,” characterized by its components of tomato sauce, toma cheese, vegetables, and anchovies.

• Syracuse: Syracuse presents the “pizzòlu,” a unique round pizza variety characterized by its stuffing.

Sicilian immigrants brought sfincione to the United States, leading to its evolution in response to local preferences and available ingredients. American Sicilian-style pizza typically comprises:

• A thick, square crust (often over an inch thick)

• Tomato sauce

• Mozzarella cheese (unlike the traditional version)

• Various toppings similar to other American pizza styles

This adaptation has seen an increase in popularity among Italian-American communities, particularly in the northeastern part of the United States.

Pizza Siciliana serves as a notable representation of Sicilian culinary heritage. The substantial, porous crust, unique toppings, and rich history play significant roles in its standing within the pizza domain. Indulging in an authentic sfincione in Palermo or a Sicilian-style slice in New York presents an opportunity to engage with a culinary tradition that has evolved and adapted over centuries. Pizza Siciliana illustrates the continuous development of beloved culinary traditions, with its fundamental traits showcasing the inventive nature and diverse flavors that define Sicilian cuisine.