Indulge in the classic flavors of Brooklyn with “The Brooklyn” pizza, inspired by the iconic style served at L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn for over seven decades. This satisfying Sicilian pizza is a tribute to tradition, featuring the distinctive “inverted-style” toppings—whole-milk mozzarella layered first, followed by the tangy tomato sauce on top, creating a symphony of flavors. The parbaked Sicilian Dough serves as the perfect foundation for this culinary masterpiece, with its crisp and airy crust. Whether you relish it as a family favorite or an addition to your pizza repertoire, “The Brooklyn” brings a taste of authentic Brooklyn pizzerias right to your home.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 parbaked Sicilian Dough
- 12 ounces (340 grams) whole-milk mozzarella cheese, sliced (12 slices)
- 1½ cups (370 grams) Sicilian Tomato Sauce, at room temperature
- Olive oil, for drizzling if needed
- Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for dusting
- Dried oregano, for dusting
- Garlic Oil, for drizzling
PREPARATIONS:
- If you have turned off the oven after parbaking the dough, reheat it to 450°F for at least 1 hour.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly over the top of the dough, leaving a ¾-inch border on all sides.
- Spoon the tomato sauce onto the center of the pizza, then, using the back of the spoon in a circular motion and working outward from the center, spread the sauce evenly over the cheese.
- Place the pan on the top stone and bake for 7 minutes. Rotate the pan 180 degrees, transfer it to the bottom stone, and bake for 6 minutes, until the top is a rich golden brown.
- Using a wide metal spatula, lift a corner of the pizza and peek at the bottom. If you want it darker and crunchier, transfer the pan to the top stone to bake for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a watchful eye so the cheese does not overcook.
- Run the spatula around the edges of the pizza to make sure it has not stuck in any area. If you suspect a problem, drizzle a bit of olive oil down the side of the pan and work slowly to loosen in that area.
- Lift the pizza onto the spatula and transfer it to a cutting board. Make 2 evenly spaced cuts the length of the pizza (to make 3 strips of equal width), then make 3 evenly spaced cuts across the width of the pizza (to make 4 strips of equal width), to make 12 squares.
- Finish with a dusting of pecorino and oregano and a drizzle of garlic oil.
YIELD:
- One 12 by 18-inch pizza or 12 squares of “The Brooklyn” pizza.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Drizzle olive oil around the edges of the pan if the pizza sticks, to help loosen it.
TIPS:
- For a delicious variation, add light quantities of Sautéed Mushrooms or pepperoni as additional toppings.
“The Brooklyn” pizza pays homage to the longstanding pizza legacy of L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn, delivering the flavors of tradition and the spirit of the borough. This delightful Sicilian-style pizza showcases the art of parbaking Sicilian Dough, elevating the crust to perfection, crispy on the outside and airy on the inside.
With its inverted-style toppings, “The Brooklyn” offers a unique taste experience, where the savory whole-milk mozzarella forms the foundation, topped with the rich tomato sauce for an intensified flavor profile. As the pizza bakes to a golden hue, the aromas of melting cheese and tangy sauce fill the kitchen, evoking the warmth of a bustling pizzeria.
“The Brooklyn” serves as a versatile canvas for creativity. While this recipe stays true to the classic style, you can add your personal touch by incorporating other toppings like Sautéed Mushrooms or pepperoni. The 12 squares of goodness make it perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring as leftovers throughout the week.
Creating “The Brooklyn” is a labor of love, where each step is vital to achieving perfection. From parbaking the Sicilian Dough to precisely layering the mozzarella and sauce, every detail contributes to the symphony of flavors. As the pizza emerges from the oven, adorned with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano, dried oregano, and a drizzle of garlic oil, the anticipation builds, knowing that a delightful culinary experience awaits.
In conclusion, “The Brooklyn” pizza invites you to savor the essence of Brooklyn’s pizzerias, steeped in tradition and adored by generations. The artful combination of parbaked Sicilian Dough and inverted-style toppings delivers a taste of history, shared with love and passion. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or seeking comfort in the flavors of the borough, “The Brooklyn” is your ticket to authentic Brooklyn pizza, right in the heart of your home.
