There’s no food that represents New York quite like pizza, and within the city’s pizza-scape, Di Fara Pizza stands out as an institution.
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Di Fara Pizza has been serving up slices of deliciousness since 1965.
Their pizza has a certain je ne sais quoi that has kept New Yorkers and tourists alike coming back for more, year after year.
The secret to their success? It’s all in the recipe. Di Fara’s pizza recipe has been fine-tuned over the years to deliver a pizza that’s the perfect balance of crispy, chewy, cheesy, and tangy.
Want to bring a slice of Di Fara’s magic to your kitchen? This article is here to guide you through the Di Fara pizza recipe, revealing the secrets behind their iconic pies.
But before we start, keep in mind that while we aim to capture the essence of Di Fara’s pizza, there’s nothing quite like the real thing!
Di Fara Pizza Recipe Step by Step
Creating Di Fara’s pizza at home requires a bit of time and a lot of love. Here’s a simplified version of their recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 can of San Marzano tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound of fresh mozzarella cheese
- Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
Preparation:
- Combine the warm water and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes to activate.
- Mix in the flour, olive oil, and salt, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting, ideally with a pizza stone inside.
- Roll out your dough to your preferred thickness. Note: Di Fara’s pizza is traditionally thin in the middle with a thicker crust.
- For the sauce, puree the San Marzano tomatoes in a blender with some fresh basil and garlic. Spread a thin layer of this sauce over your pizza dough.
- Slice the mozzarella and distribute it evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
- Cook the pizza in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Enjoy!
What Kind of Cheese Does Di Fara Pizza Use?
Di Fara Pizza uses a combination of fresh mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
The fresh mozzarella provides that classic, stretchy cheese pull, while the Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a rich, nutty flavor that sets Di Fara’s pizza apart.
Who Makes Di Fara Pizza Now?
Di Fara Pizza was founded by Domenico De Marco, an Italian immigrant, who single-handedly made every pizza from 1965 until the 2010s.
Now, his children – Margaret, Louie, and Dom – carry on the family tradition, continuing to churn out the pizzas that have made Di Fara a Brooklyn institution.
Is Di Fara Square or Round?
Di Fara offers both square
(sicilian-style) and round (neapolitan-style) pizzas. The square pizza has a thicker, chewier crust, while the round pizza features a thinner, crisper crust.
Both are equally delicious and made with the same high-quality ingredients.
What is the Secret Ingredient for Pizza?
The secret ingredient in Di Fara’s pizza, and arguably any great pizza, isn’t something you’ll find in a jar or a can. It’s passion.
The De Marco family’s commitment to quality and their love for what they do is evident in every slice.
From the hand-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to the imported San Marzano tomatoes and the extra virgin olive oil drizzled over each cooked pie, every ingredient is chosen with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Di Fara Pizza So Expensive?
Di Fara’s pizza is pricier than your average slice due to the high quality of the ingredients used.
From imported San Marzano tomatoes to hand-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh basil, every element of a Di Fara pizza is top-notch.
This commitment to quality comes with a higher cost, but fans of Di Fara would argue it’s worth every penny.
What Makes Di Fara Pizza Special?
What sets Di Fara pizza apart is not just the ingredients, but the tradition and technique behind it.
The De Marco family has been making pizza the same way for over 50 years.
Each pie is made with care and precision, resulting in a pizza that’s consistently delicious and truly unique.
Can I Order Di Fara Pizza Online?
Yes, you can order Di Fara pizza online for pickup or delivery through their official website.
Keep in mind that their pizzas are in high demand, so it’s best to place your order well in advance.
Is Di Fara Pizza Worth the Wait?
Many pizza lovers would argue that yes, Di Fara pizza is absolutely worth the wait.
From watching the De Marco family prepare your pizza to that first bite of a freshly cooked slice, the Di Fara experience is one that every pizza enthusiast should have at least once.
Can I Buy Di Fara Pizza Sauce?
While Di Fara doesn’t sell their pizza sauce separately, their homemade tomato sauce is relatively simple to replicate at home.
All you need are San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic – all pureed together for a fresh, vibrant pizza sauce.
Final Thoughts
Recreating the iconic Di Fara pizza at home may be a labor of love, but it’s a delicious and rewarding endeavor.
From selecting high-quality ingredients to taking the time to knead your dough just right, each step is a testament to the love and care that goes into every Di Fara pizza.
While this recipe might bring you close, there’s nothing quite like the real thing. So, if you find yourself in Brooklyn, be sure to stop by Di Fara’s Pizza for a slice of New York City history.
To learn more about Di Fara’s history and their menu, you can visit their official website.
To delve deeper into the world of pizza-making, check out the Pizza Making Forum for tips, recipes, and discussions with other pizza enthusiasts.
Happy pizza making!
