Fluffy and topped with a tangy tomato sauce, this Sicilian Sfincione recipe is a type of Sicilian focaccia bread. Almost like a pizza, this type of bread commonly includes a tomato sauce mixture and grated cheese on top that is perfect to have as a snack or for lunch.
The process of making the Sicilian sfincione requires a few steps. First, you make a dough by mixing flour with corn flour, year, oil, sugar, and water. Then, once it has risen, it gets rolled out and placed on a rectangular baking pan before being allowed to rise again. After that, it gets topped with cubes of cheese, anchovies, and tomato sauce before being baked in the oven. Then, once it is garnished with parmesan, breadcrumbs, and oregano, it will be time to dig in and enjoy!
What is Sicilian Sfincione?
Sicilian sfincione is a classic Sicilian street food that is basically focaccia bread topped with tomato sauce. This bread is airy and fluffy, making it perfect for adding a layer of tomato sauce on top. Usually, the sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, anchovies, and breadcrumbs for a combination that is tangy, sweet, and briny.
Pro Tips
- When you knead the dough, knead it until it is smooth and elastic. You will know you have kneaded it enough when you can stretch out a small piece until it is see-through but doesn’t tear.
- If your dough isn’t rising quickly, you can move it to a warmer location in your home, such as an oven that is turned off or on top of a fridge.
- For the sauce, make sure you simmer it long enough so that the flavors meld together and the onions soften and sweeten.
- For the cheese, you can use whatever Italian cheese you can find such as mozzarella or provolone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Sfincione Mean?
Sfincione is derived from a Latin word, “sfincia,” which translates to “sponge.” It is a fitting name due to the spongy and airy texture of palermitan sfincione.
Does Sfincione Use Fresh or Jarred Tomato Pulp?
You can really use either fresh or jarred tomato pulp for this recipe; it just depends on the season and what you have available. If you have an abundance of tomatoes in your garden, feel free to use that, or if it is the heart of winter, you can use the tomatoes you canned the summer before.
What Type of Cheese Does Palermitan Sfincione Use?
Usually, palermitan sfincione uses caciovallo cheese but parmigiano reggiano or pecorino romano are good replacements as they tend to be more accessible outside of Italy. This recipe calls for parmesan which is widely available around the world.
How to Store Sicilian Sfincione
If you have leftover Sicilian sfincione, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Then, you can warm it up in the oven to re-crisp, although an air fryer would work if you are heating up just a few slices as well.
Ingredients
How to Make Palermitan Sfincione
For the dough, in a bowl, stir the flour with the corn flour and yeast until combined. Stir in the oil and sugar until combined. Add the water and knead until combined. Allow it to rest for 3 hours.
For the dough, in a bowl, stir the flour with the corn flour and yeast until combined. Stir in the oil and sugar until combined. Add the water and knead until combined. Allow it to rest for 3 hours.
Coat a rectangular baking pan with oil and press the dough into it in an even layer. Allow it to rise for 1 hour.
Coat a rectangular baking pan with oil and press the dough into it in an even layer. Allow it to rise for 1 hour.
For the sauce, heat olive oil in a pan on the stove. Add the anchovies and cook them briefly. Add the onions and cook them until translucent.
For the sauce, heat olive oil in a pan on the stove. Add the anchovies and cook them briefly. Add the onions and cook them until translucent.
Add the tomatoes and salt, and simmer until the sauce is thickened.
Add the tomatoes and salt, and simmer until the sauce is thickened.
To assemble, press cheese cubes and pieces of anchovies into the dough, and spread the sauce on top. Bake it in a 400 F (200 C) oven for 20 minutes.
To assemble, press cheese cubes and pieces of anchovies into the dough, and spread the sauce on top. Bake it in a 400 F (200 C) oven for 20 minutes.
Serve garnished with the parmesan, breadcrumbs, and oregano.
Serve garnished with the parmesan, breadcrumbs, and oregano.
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