NEW YORK-STYLE PIZZA.

 NEW YORK-STYLE PIZZA.

 Discovering New York-Style Pizza

New York-style pizza is an iconic symbol of the Big Apple, celebrated for its large, thin, and foldable slices. This pizza originated in New York City in the early 20th century, heavily influenced by Neapolitan pizza brought by Italian immigrants. 

What sets New York-style pizza apart is its unique combination of a thin, crispy crust with a slightly chewy interior, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.

The secret to a perfect New York-style pizza lies in the dough, which is hand-tossed to achieve the signature thin crust. The use of high-gluten flour gives the crust its characteristic chewiness. The sauce is typically made from crushed tomatoes, seasoned with oregano, garlic, and other spices, resulting in a savory and slightly tangy flavor. 

A good New York-style pizza slice should be large enough to fold in half, making it easy to eat on the go, a nod to the fast-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers.

Whether enjoyed at a famous pizzeria in Manhattan or made at home, New York-style pizza offers a delightful culinary experience. Its simplicity and balance of flavors make it a favorite among pizza enthusiasts worldwide.

Full Recipe: New York-Style Pizza

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups high-gluten bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or any favorite toppings

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• Add the olive oil and salt to the mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Assemble the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
• Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to about 14 inches in diameter.
• Transfer the rolled dough to a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add any additional toppings as desired.

4. Bake the Pizza:

• Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade New York-style pizza with friends and family!