Sicilian pizza
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Sicilian pizza, often called 'sfincione,' is a thick, spongy, focaccia-style pizza that originated in Sicily, Italy. It is typically baked in a large rectangular pan and topped with a rich tomato sauce, onions, anchovies, oregano, and a generous layer of breadcrumbs instead of the more common mozzarella cheese. The result is a hearty, savory, and uniquely textured pie that is a staple of Sicilian street food and home cooking.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from its thick, doughy base, with a moderate amount of fat from olive oil and anchovies, and a smaller amount of protein. A typical serving provides a good source of energy, along with key nutrients like lycopene from the tomato sauce and iron from the anchovies, and a single square can contain roughly 300-450 calories.
💡 What's interesting
What makes Sicilian pizza culturally unique is its use of a breadcrumb topping, which historically served as a flavorful and affordable substitute for cheese. This style of pizza is also known for its 'spongy' texture, achieved by allowing the dough to rise twice, creating a light yet substantial base that is quite different from the thin, crispy crust of Neapolitan pizza.