Brooklyn Brick Pizza
Introduction to Brooklyn Brick Pizza
Brooklyn Brick Pizza is a classic pizza style known for its thin, crispy crust and flavorful toppings. Originating in the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, this pizza has become a staple among pizza lovers for its unique taste and delightful texture. The story of Brooklyn Brick Pizza is intertwined with the history of Italian immigrants in New York who brought their culinary traditions to the United States. Over time, these traditions blended with local flavors, resulting in the iconic pizza we know today.
Cooking a perfect Brooklyn Brick Pizza involves creating a balance between crispy crust, savory sauce, and bold toppings. Using a brick oven enhances its unique texture, but the recipe can be adapted for home ovens as well, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a slice of Brooklyn in their own kitchen.
Ingredients
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Dough
The foundation of a great Brooklyn Brick Pizza is its pizza dough. The dough must be stretched thinly for the desired crispiness. Start by letting your pizza dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour. This resting period is essential to allow the dough to become pliable and easy to stretch.
Making the Tomato Sauce
While the dough is rising, prepare the tomato sauce. Combine ripe tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, chopped garlic, and fresh basil in a blender. Add a pinch of oregano and salt to taste. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Assembling the Pizza
Rolling Out the Dough
Once the dough is ready, flour your surface and gently stretch the dough into a round, thin shape resembling a large disc. Aim for a diameter of about 12-14 inches. The edges should be slightly thicker to form a crust when baked.
Adding the Sauce
Spread a liberal amount of prepared tomato sauce evenly across the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. The sauce should be thick enough to provide moisture but not so much that it makes the dough soggy when baked.
Layering With Cheese and Toppings
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Next, layer slices of pepperoni over the cheese, ensuring even coverage with a slight overlap for best taste.
Cooking the Pizza
Preheat your oven to a high temperature, about 475°F (245°C). If using a brick oven, the heat can be higher, simulating traditional cooking methods. Place the assembled pizza on a pizza stone or directly onto a preheated oven rack for an authentic crispy texture.
Cook the pizza for approximately 10-12 minutes or use your timer until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.
Serving and Enjoyment
Once baked to perfection, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Before serving, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Fresh basil leaves can serve as a garnish, adding both color and flavor.
Brooklyn Brick Pizza is best enjoyed with friends or family, paired with a simple green salad and a glass of light red wine. Whether you savor it in the heart of Brooklyn or in your own dining room, this pizza is sure to bring a taste of New York to your table.