How to Make a REAL New York Slice at Home
Table of Contents
Introduction
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create a real New York-style pizza at home, inspired by Charlie Anderson's video. This guide covers everything from making the dough and sauce to assembling and baking the pizza, ensuring you can enjoy a delicious slice that rivals your favorite pizzeria.
Step 1: Make the Dough
Creating the perfect pizza dough is crucial for a New York slice. Follow these steps:
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Gather Ingredients
- High-Gluten Flour
- Bread Flour
- Vital Wheat Gluten
- Spelt Flour
- Rye Flour
- Semola Flour
- Water
- Salt
- Yeast
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Mix the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flours and vital wheat gluten.
- In a separate container, mix water, salt, and yeast until dissolved.
- Gradually add the liquid mixture to the flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
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Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Ensure the dough is not too sticky; add a little more flour if necessary.
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First Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
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Divide and Shape
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into portions (typically 2-3 for 12-inch pizzas).
- Shape each portion into a tight ball and place on a floured surface.
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Second Rise
- Cover the dough balls with a damp cloth and let them rest for another hour.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
A simple yet flavorful sauce is key to a great pizza. Here's how to prepare it:
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Gather Ingredients
- Crushed tomatoes (recommendations include Redpack, Cento, or Bianco DiNapoli)
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt
- Sugar (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
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Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt. Add sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
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Simmer
- Let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes to develop flavors.
- If using fresh basil, add it towards the end of cooking.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pizza
Now it’s time to put everything together and bake your pizza.
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Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 500°F or 260°C) and place a baking steel or pizza stone inside to heat up.
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Shape the Dough
- On a floured surface, take one dough ball and gently stretch it out into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Avoid using a rolling pin to maintain air in the crust.
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Add Sauce and Toppings
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle with low-moisture mozzarella cheese and add any additional toppings of your choice.
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Bake the Pizza
- Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the hot baking steel or stone using a wooden pizza peel.
- Bake for about 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
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Cool and Slice
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a cooling rack.
- Slice and enjoy your homemade New York-style pizza!
Conclusion
You’ve now successfully made a real New York-style pizza at home! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and techniques. For more tips on pizza-making, consider checking out additional resources or courses that can help you elevate your skills further. Enjoy your cooking!