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A Slice of Italy in New York: Don Antonio’s Secret Sauce

Hungry Ghost
2 Mins read
October 10, 2024
Eggplant Pizza Delight_done
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Don Antonio isn’t just a pizza place. It’s a story. A story about passion, craftsmanship, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. You feel it the moment you step inside, and you definitely taste it when you take that first bite.

Roberto Caporuscio and Antonio Starita, two pizza legends, didn’t just open a restaurant. They opened a gateway to something bigger. They’ve taken over 100 years of tradition, handed down through generations in Naples, and delivered it right to the heart of New York. And that’s the magic: They haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they’ve focused on doing one thing incredibly well. Pizza.

Norma Nostra: A Pizza That Speaks to the Soul

The Norma Nostra isn’t your average slice. It’s an experience. Every element, from the creamy buffalo mozzarella to the roasted eggplant, has been carefully selected, imported from Italy, and placed with purpose. The sun-dried tomatoes from Puglia? They’re not just there for flavor. They tell a story of sun-drenched fields, artisanal methods, and time-honored traditions.

And then there’s the ricotta salata—crumbly, salty, and bold. It’s the kind of cheese that refuses to be ignored, but not in an overpowering way. It’s balanced. Harmonious. Add fresh basil to the mix, and every bite becomes a crescendo of flavors that leaves you wanting more.

Sorrentina: A Bold Move

The Sorrentina is a pizza for the adventurous. Smoked buffalo mozzarella and sliced lemons. That’s right. Lemons. On a pizza. It’s unexpected. It’s daring. And it works.

The smoked mozzarella is rich and indulgent, the kind of cheese that stays with you long after you’ve finished eating. But the lemon? That’s the kicker. It cuts through the richness with a burst of brightness that takes this pizza to another level. It’s pizza for people who want to step outside the norm and experience something truly different.

Why Don Antonio?

Here’s the thing: There are a million places to grab a slice in New York. But Don Antonio is different. It’s not about quick bites or convenience. It’s about taking the time to do something right. Every pizza is a labor of love, and you taste it. This isn’t about chasing trends or gimmicks. It’s about honoring tradition while still being bold enough to take risks.

Don Antonio is a must-try because it doesn’t settle. They don’t just want to serve pizza; they want to serve the best pizza—and they do. If you want to experience Neapolitan pizza in its purest form, while still leaving room for innovation, this is the place.

Make Your Own Norma Nostra

The magic of Don Antonio’s Norma Nostra is in its simplicity. You don’t need a fancy kitchen or a wood-fired oven to recreate it at home. What you need is intention.

Eggplant Pizza Delight

Eggplant Pizza Delight

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this scrumptious Eggplant Pizza Delight! This recipe combines the rich flavors of crispy fried eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese on a perfectly baked crust. It’s a simple yet gourmet experience that will make you feel like a top chef in your own kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun family meal, this pizza is sure to impress everyone at the table. Dive into this culinary adventure and enjoy a slice of Italy right at home!

Course: Main CourseCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
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Servings

4

slices
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

450

kcal
Resting Time

30

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds self-rising bread dough

  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes

  • 1 small aubergine (eggplant)

  • Hard ricotta cheese for grating

  • Dried oregano leaves

  • All-purpose flour for dusting

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Vegetable oil for frying

  • Sea salt to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • Alternative Ingredients:
  • Gluten-free dough for self-rising dough gluten-free

  • Canned diced tomatoes for crushed tomatoes texture variation

  • Zucchini for eggplant allergy or preference

  • Parmesan cheese for ricotta different flavor

Directions

  • Dough Preparation – Roll out the self-rising dough into a round shape and place it in a greased baking sheet. Allow it to rest for about 30 minutes to rise slightly.Eggplant Pizza Delight_post2
  • Tomato Sauce Layering – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough base. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.Eggplant Pizza Delight_post
  • Baking the Pizza – Place the prepared dough with tomato sauce into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
  • Preparing the Eggplant – While the pizza bakes, slice the eggplant thinly using a chef’s knife. Coat each slice lightly with flour.Eggplant Pizza Delight_post3
  • Frying the Eggplant – Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the floured eggplant slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Assembling the Pizza – Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven. Generously sprinkle grated ricotta cheese over the hot pizza.
  • Final Touches – Arrange the fried eggplant slices on top of the cheese layer. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.

Equipment

  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • baking sheet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • For a successful pizza experience, ensure your dough is at room temperature before stretching it out. This will make it easier to handle and result in a better crust texture. Serve this pizza with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add toppings like olives or roasted red peppers for extra flavor!

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Potassium: 300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Vitamin A: 300IU
  • Vitamin C: 5mg
  • Calcium: 150mg
  • Iron: 2mg
basil Car cheese egg ice lemon quick Room salt Story sun-dried tomatoes
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