New York Style Pizza: A Slice of the Big Apple in the UK

History and Origins

New York-style pizza traces its roots back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants brought their pizza-making skills to the streets of New York City. The classic New York-style pizza evolved from its Neapolitan origins to cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of New Yorkers. Its large, foldable slices made it a convenient, on-the-go meal that could be enjoyed without the need for utensils.

Key Characteristics

1. Thin Crust: The hallmark of New York-style pizza is its thin, yet sturdy crust. It is often hand-tossed and stretched to achieve the perfect thickness, which is typically around 1/8 of an inch.

2. Sauce and Cheese: New York-style pizza features a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes and seasoned with herbs and spices. The cheese, usually mozzarella, is applied generously, covering the entire surface of the pizza.

3. Foldable Slices: One of the defining features of New York-style pizza is its large, foldable slices. The flexibility of the crust allows the slice to be folded in half lengthwise, making it easier to eat on the go.

4. Baking Method: New York-style pizza is traditionally baked in a deck oven, which gives the crust its characteristic crispness and chewiness.

Recipe for Homemade New York Style Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.
• Cornmeal, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
3. Sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet.
4. Place the rolled-out dough on the cornmeal-dusted surface.
5. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
7. Add any desired toppings.
8. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Best Places to Enjoy New York Style Pizza in the UK

1. Pizza Pilgrims - London: Known for their authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, Pizza Pilgrims also offers a delicious New York-style pizza that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

2. Voodoo Rays - London: This hip pizza joint in Dalston serves up giant slices of New York-style pizza with a variety of creative toppings.

3. Rudys Pizza - Manchester: Rudy's is famous for its wood-fired pizzas, including their New York-style pizza that is made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection in their wood-fired oven.

4. NY Fold - London: As the name suggests, NY Fold specializes in New York-style pizza, offering a wide range of toppings to choose from.

5. Dough Boys Pizza - Leeds: Dough Boys Pizza serves up authentic New York-style pizza by the slice or by the pie, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic cheese slice or a loaded pepperoni pizza, these UK restaurants are sure to satisfy your craving for a taste of the Big Apple. So, grab a slice and enjoy the deliciousness of New York-style pizza right here in the UK!