How to Make a REAL New York Slice at Home

4 min read 6 days ago
Published on Sep 27, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

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:

  1. Gather Ingredients

    • High-Gluten Flour
    • Bread Flour
    • Vital Wheat Gluten
    • Spelt Flour
    • Rye Flour
    • Semola Flour
    • Water
    • Salt
    • Yeast
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. Gather Ingredients

    • Crushed tomatoes (recommendations include Redpack, Cento, or Bianco DiNapoli)
    • Olive oil
    • Garlic (minced)
    • Salt
    • Sugar (optional)
    • Fresh basil (optional)
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!