Shanann Watts Fried Pizza Recipe: Over the past few days, we’ve learned more information about The Watts family, thanks to an extensive FBI interview conducted by Tammy Lee and Grahm Coder, which you can read the transcript of here. Despite all the darkness, there was a bit of light: One of the positive things was getting to learn a little more about the girls and Shanann, and what an amazing mom, and cook she was!
During the confession interview, it was discussed that Shanann was a talented cook (after all, she is Italian!), and one of her most beloved recipes was for Fried Pizza, which got everyone in the room interested! In honor of the incredible person Shanann is, we did some digging to find a copycat Fried Pizza recipe similar to described, and have included it below.
While searching for fried pizza recipes, the majority of them were actually “fried”- as in, put in a deep fryer. From the description it seems like Shanann’s recipe is not deep fried, but rather pan fried. So much healthier!
Pan Fried Pizza Recipe in honor of Shanann Watts
Source: Mark B., New York Times (See his recipe here)
INGREDIENTS:
- 2cups all-purpose or breadflour, more as needed
- ¾teaspooninstant yeast
- 1teaspoon coarsesalt
- 3tablespoons extra virginolive oil, more for cooking
- About 2 cups any light, freshtomato sauce, warmed
- Slicedmozzarellato taste
- Salt and black pepper
- Prosciutto slices and basil leaves for topping (optional)
PREPERATION
- Combine flour, yeast and salt in a food processor. Turn machine on and add 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons oil through feed tube. Process for about 30 seconds, adding more water, a tablespoon or so at a time, until mixture forms a ball and is slightly sticky to the touch. (If mixture becomes too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time.)
- Put one tablespoon olive oil in a bowl and turn dough ball in it. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rise until dough doubles in size, 1 to 2 hours. When dough is ready, re-form into a ball and divide it into 4 pieces; roll each piece into a ball. Place each piece on a lightly floured surface, sprinkle with a little flour, and cover with plastic wrap or a towel. Let rest until each puffs slightly, about 20 minutes.
- When ready to cook, press one ball into about a 10-inch round. Use a little flour, if needed, to prevent sticking and a rolling pin, if desired. Film a 10-inch skillet with olive oil and turn heat to medium. When oil shimmers, put dough in pan and adjust heat so it browns evenly without burning. (If dough puffs up unevenly in spots, push bubbles down.)
- Turn dough, then top browned side with tomato sauce, cheese, a bit of salt and pepper, and, if you like, prosciutto and/or basil leaves. If top is now heavily laden, cover pan and continue cooking, or run it under broiler, just until toppings become hot. With only a couple of toppings, just cook until bottom browns. Repeat with remaining dough; serve hot, warm or at room temperature.
Note: Shanann made her own tomato sauce from scratch, and as I’ve noticed in other recipes, that can COMPLETELY change the taste for the better! Here’s a simple recipe to make your own sauce. Store brands don’t come close to sauce when it’s homemade!
Easy & Delicious Tomato Sauce from Scratch Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1-2 tablespoons for finishing off
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28- ounce) canstomatoes, San Marzano, whole peeled, you may also use crushed
- 1 tablespoon oregano, dried
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onions and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook stirring for about 2 minutes.
- Crush the whole peeled tomatoes by hand and add the pulp and the juices to the pot.
- Add the oregano and bring to a low simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper and add one to two tablespoons of good olive oil to finish off the sauce.
Shanann’s Family’s (Sandy, Frank, and Frankie Rzucek) have asked that those interested in remembering and honoring the lives of Shanann Watts, Bella Watts, Celeste ‘CeCe’ Watts and Baby Nico Watts can make a donation in their honor to one of three charities they adore: The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or The Lupus Foundation.
