Pica Perfection

This pica recipe brings you a delightful homemade experience right in your kitchen. Perfect for creative cooks who enjoy experimenting with toppings, this dish is as flexible as it is delicious. The base has a rich, buttery texture thanks to a blend of high-quality ingredients. Topped with any of your favorite items, you can transform this dish into anything from a simple weekday meal to a gourmet delight. The magic of a homemade dough lies in its balance of flavors, which creates a satisfying bite. By controlling what goes on top, you ensure every mouthful is tailored to your preferences. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, pica can be customized as a vegetarian treat or a meat-lover's dream come true. This recipe is also an excellent way to use leftover ingredients like cheese, meats, and herbs. With a preparation time under an hour, it makes for a splendid meal without much hassle. Try out this recipe and enjoy a cozy, hearty pica night at home.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 25 g butter, softened
• 3/4 cup milk

For Topping

• 2 eggs
• Your choice of cheese, grated
• Ketchup for taste

Preparation Time

50 minutes (including prep and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it's ready for your pica once you're done with the preparations.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: 1.5 cups of flour, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them well.
3. Cut the butter into the dry mixture using a fork or a pastry cutter, until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring continuously until you form a dough.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Flatten the dough using a rolling pin to your desired thickness, keeping slightly raised edges to contain the toppings.
7. Place the dough on a greased baking sheet or pica pan.
8. Before adding the toppings, prepare the eggs by beating them in a small bowl and adding a splash of ketchup for an extra kick.
9. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the pica base, ensuring an even spread.
10. Sprinkle grated cheese generously on top of the egg layer.
11. Get creative with toppings by adding what you have at home - meats, vegetables, or additional spices.
12. Transfer the pica to the preheated oven.
13. Bake for 10-20 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese has melted and the edges of the pica are golden brown.
14. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
15. Slice and serve your homemade pica warm, paired with a side salad or dipping sauces.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use whole-wheat flour for a healthier base or experiment with gluten-free flour.
• Add herbs: Try adding dried oregano or basil to the dough for an aromatic base.
• Perfect crust: For an extra crispy crust, brush the edges with a little olive oil before baking.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Top with bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Meat Lover's: Add cooked sausage, pepperoni, or bacon bits.
• Cheese Delight: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Excellent when served with a fresh green salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine or iced tea for a refreshing drink option.
• Add a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Best Places

• Pizzeria Da Michele - Famous for its authentic Neapolitan pica. Location: Via Cesare Sersale, 1, Naples, Italy.
• Gino's East - Known for its unique Chicago-style deep dish pica. Location: 162 E Superior St, Chicago, USA.
• Pizzarium - Offers a variety of Roman-style square slice picas. Location: Via della Meloria, 43, Rome, Italy.
• L'Antica Pizzeria - Renowned for wood-fired picas with a crisp and chewy crust. Location: 19 Neal St, London, UK.
• Una Pizza Napoletana - Specializes in traditional wood-fired pizzas. Location: 175 Orchard St, New York, USA.
• Di Fara Pica - Iconic for its Brooklyn slice with gourmet toppings. Location: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, New York, USA.
• Frank Pepe Pica Napoletana - Voted one of the best for its coal-fired pica. Location: 157 Wooster St, New Haven, USA.
• Pica Pilgrims - Known for its artistic and flavorful toppings. Location: 7A, Exmouth Market, London, UK.
• Da Zero - Features pizzas with locally sourced Italian ingredients. Location: Via Bernardino Luini, 9, Milan, Italy.
• Joe's Pica - Offers a classic slice pica experience. Location: 7 Carmine St, New York, USA.