Are you ready for the ultimate battle between Italian tradition and grandma’s secret recipes? Well, get your appetites ready because today we are diving deep into the ongoing rivalry between Grandma and Sicilian Pizza.
From the streets of New York to the cobblestone alleys of Sicily, these two pizza styles have been vying for the title of the best slice in town. With each bite, you can taste the history, love, and unbeatable flavors that come from these long-standing traditions.
So, grab a slice of your favorite pizza (no judgment here) and join us as we delve into the delicious world of grandma vs Sicilian pizza. It’s time to pick a side, and be warned – this debate may stir up more hunger pangs than you can handle.
What Is Grandma Pizza?
Grandma pizza, also known as Nonna Pizza in Italian, is a traditional style of pizza that originated in New York City in the early 20th century.
It gets its name from the old-school technique used to make it – using a rectangular baking pan instead of the typical round one. This gives it a distinct shape and thicker base compared to other styles of pizza.
But what truly sets Grandma Pizza apart is the unique combination of ingredients used to make it. The crust is made from a simple dough recipe that includes olive oil, flour, water, and sometimes even beer. Cheese lovers are in for a treat as it’s usually topped with freshly grated mozzarella cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
However, the real secret to this delicious pie lies in the generous sprinkle of herbs, garlic, and olive oil on top that gives it an unmistakable flavor.
What Is Sicilian Pizza?
Sicilian pizza, or sfincione as it’s known in Italy, is a square-shaped pizza originating from the island of Sicily. Unlike traditional thin-crust pizzas, this variety has a thick and spongy base that can hold a lot of toppings.
It’s believed that this style of pizza was created as an inexpensive way to feed large families in the 19th century. The base of Sicilian Pizza is made from a special dough recipe that includes semolina flour, which gives it a unique texture and flavor.
It’s then topped with chunky tomato sauce, diced onions, anchovies, and a blend of cheeses such as pecorino, caciocavallo, and provolone. The toppings are usually placed under the cheese, giving it a gooey and delicious bite with every slice.
History Behind Grandma and Sicilian Pizza
1. Grandma Pizza
This style of pizza was created by Italian immigrants in New York City, who wanted to recreate the flavors and traditions of their homeland. It quickly became a staple in many Italian-American households and is still a beloved dish today.
The name ‘grandma’ pizza came about because it was often lovingly made by grandmothers for their families.
2. Sicilian Pizza
As mentioned earlier, Sicilian Pizza was created as an inexpensive way to feed large families on the island of Sicily. However, it gained popularity around the world when Italian immigrants brought their recipes to America and opened pizzerias in New York City.
The ongoing rivalry between these two pizza styles stems from the pride and passion surrounding their origins. Each one represents a different aspect of Italian culture and tradition, making it difficult for fans to choose a favorite.
Grandma vs Sicilian Pizza: What Are The Differences?
Now comes the most important question – what makes Grandma Pizza different from Sicilian Pizza? Let’s break it down:
1. The Shape
– Grandma Pizza: As mentioned earlier, Grandma Pizza is typically rectangular due to being baked in a pan.
– Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian Pizza is square-shaped, with thicker edges and a thinner center.
2. The Crust
– Grandma Pizza: The crust of this style of pizza is thin but has a crispy texture due to the use of olive oil in the dough.
– Sicilian Pizza: The crust of Sicilian Pizza is thick and spongy, with a soft texture.
3. The Toppings
– Grandma Pizza: This style usually has fewer toppings, with a focus on quality ingredients such as fresh herbs and garlic.
– Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian Pizza is known for its generous amount of toppings, often including meats like sausage or pepperoni.
4. The Cheese
– Grandma Pizza: Mozzarella is the most common cheese used on a Grandma Pizza.
– Sicilian Pizza: A blend of cheeses, including pecorino and caciocavallo, is typically used on Sicilian Pizza.
5. The Sauce
– Grandma Pizza: Tomato sauce is used on Grandma Pizza, but it’s usually tangier and more flavorful due to the addition of herbs and garlic.
– Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian Pizza also uses tomato sauce, but it’s applied in a chunky layer rather than being spread out evenly.
6. Baking Method
– Grandma Pizza: This style of pizza is typically baked in a pan, making it crispier.
– Sicilian Pizza: Sicilian Pizza is usually baked directly on the oven floor, giving it a softer and chewier crust.
Both Grandma and Sicilian Pizza have unique qualities that make them stand out among other styles of pizza.
It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference and taste, but one thing is for sure – no matter which side you choose, you’ll be in for a delicious treat with every bite.
How To Make Grandma Pizza?
For anyone who wants to experience the comfort and deliciousness of Grandma Pizza, here’s a simple recipe that you can try at home:
1. Ingredients
– 1 pound of pizza dough
– Olive oil for brushing
– 2 minced garlic cloves
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves
2. Instructions
– Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
– Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
– Step 3: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with olive oil.
– Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, salt and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
– Step 5: Tear the basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle them over the pizza.
– Step 6: Bake the pizza in the oven on the lowest rack for 12 minutes, rotating 180 degrees after 6 minutes. After 12 minutes check the bottom of the pizza with a spatula. If the pizza is nice and brown, move it to the top oven rack and cook for 6 more minutes.
– Step 7: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade Grandma Pizza! You can also experiment with toppings and add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Buon Appetito!
How To Make Sicilian Pizza?
For those who are more interested in trying out Sicilian Pizza than Grandma Pizza, here’s a simple recipe to follow:
1. Ingredients
– 1 pound of pizza dough
– Olive oil for brushing
– 2 minced garlic cloves
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toppings of your choice (such as sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, etc.)
– 1/4 cup of grated pecorino cheese
– 1/4 cup of shredded caciocavallo cheese
2. Instructions
– Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
– Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
– Step 3: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and brush the top with olive oil.
– Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, salt and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
– Step 5: Add your desired toppings on top of the sauce.
– Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix the grated pecorino and shredded caciocavallo cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the pizza toppings.
– Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
– Step 8: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Overall, making both grandma and Sicilian Pizza is a fun and delicious experience that anyone can enjoy.
So why not gather some friends or family and make a night out of it? We guarantee that the result will be worth it. Happy pizza making!
Sicilian vs Grandma Pizza: Which One Is Better?
Now that we know what makes Grandma Pizza and Sicilian Pizza so special, let’s dig into why these two styles have been locked in an ongoing battle for the top spot. It’s no secret that pizza holds a special place in both Italian and American cultures, and each style represents a different aspect of these traditions.
On one hand, Grandma Pizza is considered the ultimate comfort food – it’s simple, and hearty and brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. On the other hand, Sicilian Pizza is known for its bold flavors and generous portions, making it a hit at parties and celebrations.
Furthermore, the debate also lies in the crust. While some argue that Grandma Pizza’s crispy crust is unbeatable, others swear by Sicilian Pizza’s soft and chewy base.
It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but one thing is for sure – both styles have stood the test of time and continue to please pizza lovers around the world.
In conclusion, whether you’re team Grandma or team Sicilian, there’s no denying the deliciousness of both styles of pizza. Each one holds a special place in its respective culture and has captivated taste buds for decades.
So instead of choosing a side, why not try both and savor every bite of these mouth-watering pizzas? After all, there’s no such thing as too much pizza!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have shown you the intriguing world of grandma vs Sicilian pizza. We have discussed the differences between these two styles in terms of sauce, baking method,… We have also delved into why they are both beloved and how to make them at home.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of Grandma Pizza or the bold flavors of Sicilian Pizza, one thing is for sure – they are both delicious and hold a special place in Italian and American cultures.
So the next time you’re craving pizza, why not try making your own grandma or Sicilian Pizza at home and experience the joy of homemade pizza?
Thank you for reading and happy eating!