How to prepare the sfincione bagherese

If you’re a fan of Sicilian cuisine and crave the taste of a delicious pizza, then the sfincione bagherese is a must-try dish. Originating from the town of Bagheria in Sicily, sfincione is a unique and flavorful variation of pizza. It has a thick, fluffy crust topped with a satisfying combination of tomatoes, onions, breadcrumbs, and cheese. In this article, we will guide you on how to prepare the sfincione bagherese in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:
For the dough:
– 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ¼ cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons instant yeast
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt

For the topping:
– 2 cups canned diced tomatoes
– 2 onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 cup bread crumbs
– 1 cup grated Caciocavallo or Pecorino cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pinch of dried oregano

Instructions:
1. Start by making the dough. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast is dissolved, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually add the olive oil while mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon.

3. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

4. While the dough is rising, prepare the topping. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the thinly sliced onions until they become caramelized and golden brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

5. Add the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle shape. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Spread the tomato sauce generously over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the caramelized onions evenly over the sauce.

9. In a separate bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the cheese. Evenly spread this mixture over the onions and sauce.

10. Bake the sfincione in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Once cooked, remove the sfincione from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

The sfincione bagherese is best enjoyed warm, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. Its unique combination of flavors and textures will surely impress your taste buds. So, why not give this Sicilian delight a try and transport your kitchen to the beautiful town of Bagheria?