Sfincione is a traditional Sicilian pizza known for its thick, spongy crust topped with a rich tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Follow this recipe to create authentic Sfincione at home.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Topping:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4-6 anchovy fillets, chopped
- 1 cup grated caciocavallo or Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Topping:
- Cook the Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, chopped anchovies, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside.
Assembling the Sfincione:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a thick rectangle or circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Add the Topping:
- Spread the cooked onions evenly over the dough, followed by the tomato sauce. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
- Add the Breadcrumbs:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pizza.
- Bake:
- Bake the Sfincione in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the topping is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serving:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy hot or at room temperature.
Conclusion:
Sfincione is a hearty and flavorful Sicilian pizza that combines a thick, spongy crust with rich tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs. Perfect for a casual dinner or festive gathering, this dish brings the authentic taste of Sicily to your table. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe. Buon appetito!