Image by Ivan Torres

Pizza siciliana

Ah, Pizza Siciliana, one of the most beloved Italian dishes. This classic pizza hails from Sicily and is known for its delicious blend of flavors, unique ingredients, and zesty sauce.

Pizza siciliana


This pizza starts with a robust and flavourful base crafted from a dough made from golden-brown wheat flour, water, and salt and is left to rise overnight to give it the perfect texture. This delectable foundation is then smothered in an unusually thick tomato sauce that has been seasoned with herbs, like oregano and basil, and topped off with slices of salty anchovies and chunks of caper-encrusted olives. As if this wasn't mouthwatering enough, the topping is finished off with a generous sprinkle of sharp and zesty grated cheese.

If you're feeling extra indulgent, there's always the option to add more luxurious ingredients like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and pepperoni to your pizza, but the traditional Pizza Siciliana stands just as strong on its own, providing you with a succulent, savoury dish that will have your taste buds singing.

Once cooked, the flavours of the toppings mingle together to create a complex, yet harmonious taste. It's zesty, tangy, and salty, all in one bite – an experience that cannot be replicated. You'll want to savor every mouthful, as each slice offers an enticing and deep flavor that will linger on your palate long after you've finished devouring the pizza.

Pizza Siciliana is a classic Italian dish that's both easy to make and wonderfully delicious. Whether you're looking for a tasty lunch to impress friends, a quick dinner to feed the family, or something to enjoy while watching a movie, this classic pizza will never disappoint. Give it a try and you won't regret it!

The origin of Pizza siciliana

Pizza siciliana – a composite of robust flavours and aromas, steeped in antiquity and legend – is an entrancing combination of old-world tradition and modern creativity.

It is said that the delectable medley of ingredients which make up the dish have their origins in Sicily’s medieval markets, where humble street vendors would craft pizza bianca – a precursor to the stately Sicilian slice now considered a staple of the Neapolitan cuisine.

The oh-so-sinful toppings are said to derive from the plentiful bounty found around the sprawling island’s cooking-pots in times past. A combination of blushing tomatoes, sweet onions and tangy anchovies, all set off by a hefty helping of garlicky olives and perfumed capers, peppered with a generous helping of fragrant herbs and spices.

This tantalizing mix of fresh ingredients has been the foundation of many a delightful reincarnation over the centuries. One might even say it has left its mark on the culinary history of southern Italy itself.

From the classic marinara style to the blisteringly hot arrabiata, Pizza siciliana is as versatile as it is delectable. It has been known to appear served on focaccia with a smattering of sea salt or as a simple wrap loaded with a vibrant array of colourful vegetables.

In spite of its myriad forms, however, one thing remains the same: the heart-warming satisfaction of a good Pizza siciliana is timeless.

FAQs about Pizza siciliana

How is Sicilian pizza different?

Sicilian pizza, also known as sfincione, is a thick-crust pizza with a thicker, spongier texture than its Neapolitan counterpart. It is usually served in square slices rather than rounds and often topped with additional ingredients like fresh basil, onions, anchovies and/or crumbled hard cheese. The sauce is typically a tomato sauce but can also involve wet toppings like ricotta or sour cream. Additionally, Sicilian pizza typically has a focaccia-style dough which is composed of extra virgin olive oil, yeast, salt, and sugar.


What is Siciliana style?

Siciliana is a style of music originating in Sicily, an island off the southern coast of Italy. It is typically characterized by slow, sometimes lyrical melodies with a melancholy or dreamy quality. Sicilianas often employ accompaniment from acoustic guitar and/or mandolin, and have been heavily influenced by Spanish and Arabian musical traditions. This style has been adopted by composers from all over Europe, and it often features prominently in classical music compositions.


What makes a pizza Sicilian?

A Sicilian pizza is a type of pizza that originated in Sicily, Italy. Typically, it is a thick-crust or deep-dish pizza made with a crispy and chewy dough, topped with a simple sauce made from plum tomatoes and traditionally flavored with garlic and oregano. It is often topped with additional ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, anchovies, olives, onions, tomatoes, capers, and/or salami.


Why does Sicilian pizza taste different?

Sicilian pizza tastes different because it is prepared with different ingredients and methods than other types of pizzas. It is made with a thicker, denser crust that is often made with a combination of bread flour and semolina or durum wheat flour, and it is usually shaped in a square or rectangular shape. The topping is also unique, as it typically includes anchovies, olives, capers, and onions. Additionally, the cheese and sauce are typically different, with ricotta and mozzarella cheese often combined to form a layer between the base and topping. Lastly, the pizza is usually cooked in a thick-bottomed pan so that the crust is slightly crisped on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.


Types of Pizza siciliana

Ah, pizza siciliana. The Italian delight that has kept everyone around the world coming back for more. A classic Italian dish that is uniquely its own, sicilian pizza offers a range of flavours and textures to tantalise the taste buds. From the crunchy texture of dough, to the delightful aroma of oregano and garlic, to the gooey cheese melting on top - it’s truly hard to resist! But just what is this delicious dish all about? Let’s take a look at some of the different varieties of pizza siciliana to find out!

First up is the classic Margherita. This simple yet elegant pizza is made with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil. It is garnished with a hint of oregano to bring out the flavours of the other ingredients. Margherita is a popular choice amongst pizza lovers, as it offers a balanced mixture of flavours and textures.

Second is the Neapolitan. This pizza variation is also known as ‘white cheese’ as it uses ricotta as its main topping, along with onions and olives. Its dough is thicker and more substantial than the Margherita, and its distinctive flavour is due to the use of olive oil in place of tomato sauce. Neapolitan-style pizza is often served with a side of extra virgin olive oil.

Third is the Calabrese. This variety of sicilian pizza is made using anchovy fillets and Calabrian peppers. Its spicy flavour is balanced out by the salty taste of the anchovies and the sweetness of the peppers. The dough is usually slightly thicker and extra flavourings can be added such as capers or olives.

And lastly, there is the Quattro Formaggi. This delicious pizza incorporates four different types of cheese. Mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan and taleggio make up the cheesy combination that you won’t soon forget! This pizza variation is often garnished with rosemary and oregano, adding to its already delectable flavour.

No matter which type of pizza siciliana you choose, one thing is certain – you’re sure to enjoy your meal. Whether it’s a classic Margherita, a spicy Calabrese, a creamy Quattro Formaggi, or something else - there’s something for everyone! So why not try a slice of sicilian pizza today! You won’t be disappointed.