Sicilian Pizza Vs Hand Tossed: Which One Suits Your Preferences Better?
What To Know
- Hand tossed pizza, on the other hand, is typically topped with a thinner layer of tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Sicilian pizza is typically baked in a rectangular pan, while hand tossed pizza is cooked in a circular pizza oven.
- The cooking method affects the texture of the crust, with Sicilian pizza having a crispier crust and hand tossed pizza having a softer crust.
Sicilian pizza, also known as sfincione, originated in the bustling streets of Palermo, Sicily, during the 19th century. It’s a thick, rectangular pizza with a crispy, focaccia-like crust and a rich, savory topping. The dough is typically made with a combination of wheat flour and semolina flour, giving it a distinctive texture.
Hand Tossed Pizza: A Culinary Art Form
Hand tossed pizza is a classic style that involves stretching and tossing the dough by hand to create a thin, crispy crust. The dough is typically made with wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt, and it’s often topped with a variety of ingredients, including tomato sauce, cheese, and meats.
Crust: The Foundation of Flavor
The crust is the backbone of any pizza, and the difference between Sicilian and hand tossed pizzas lies in their crusts. Sicilian pizza has a thick, focaccia-like crust with a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. Hand tossed pizza, on the other hand, has a thin, crispy crust that’s typically cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Toppings: A Symphony of Flavors
Both Sicilian and hand tossed pizzas offer a wide array of topping options. Sicilian pizza is often topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a variety of meats, such as pepperoni, sausage, and ham. Hand tossed pizza, on the other hand, is typically topped with a thinner layer of tomato sauce, cheese, and a variety of vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Size and Shape: A Matter of Preference
Sicilian pizza is typically cut into rectangular slices, while hand tossed pizza is cut into triangular slices. Sicilian pizza is also larger than hand tossed pizza, making it a great option for feeding a crowd.
Cooking Method: The Heat of the Moment
Sicilian pizza is typically baked in a rectangular pan, while hand tossed pizza is cooked in a circular pizza oven. The cooking method affects the texture of the crust, with Sicilian pizza having a crispier crust and hand tossed pizza having a softer crust.
Which Pizza Reigns Supreme?
The choice between Sicilian pizza and hand tossed pizza is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Both styles offer unique flavors and textures, making them both worthy contenders for the title of “best pizza.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which pizza is thicker, Sicilian or hand tossed?
A: Sicilian pizza has a thicker crust than hand tossed pizza.
Q: Which pizza is more filling, Sicilian or hand tossed?
A: Sicilian pizza is more filling due to its thicker crust.
Q: Which pizza is better for a crowd?
A: Sicilian pizza is a better option for feeding a crowd due to its larger size.
Q: Which pizza has a crispier crust, Sicilian or hand tossed?
A: Sicilian pizza has a crispier crust due to its thicker crust and baking method.
Q: Which pizza is more customizable, Sicilian or hand tossed?
A: Both Sicilian and hand tossed pizzas offer a wide range of topping options, so they are both customizable.
