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Pizza alla Messinese with tuna and onions
Sicilian pizza with tuna and caramelized onions

Sicilian Tuna and Caramelized Onion Pizza

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Main Courses
Messina is a port city in Sicily where seafood is a daily staple. This pizza pairs the bold flavor of tuna with onions caramelized to sweetness. This sweet-salty contrast (agrodolce) is a hallmark of Sicilian cuisine. While sometimes made with endive, this version focuses on the pure flavors of the fish and onion.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 18 mins
⌛ Total Time 38 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 550 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Skillet for onions
  • Strainer for draining tuna

Allergen Information

⚠️ Wheat
⚠️ Milk
⚠️ Fish

Instructions

1 ✓

Slice the onions into thin half-moons. Sauté slowly in a skillet with a little oil until soft and golden brown (10-15 mins).

Tip: Slow cooking brings out the natural sugars (caramelization), balancing the salty tuna.
2 ✓

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough and spread with tomato sauce.

Tip: Leave a slightly thicker rim, typical of rustic Sicilian pizzas.
3 ✓

Top with mozzarella, then distribute the caramelized onions and drained tuna chunks.

Tip: Draining the tuna thoroughly is crucial so the brine doesn't make the crust soggy.
4 ✓

Bake for 15-18 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Tip: Fat carries flavor. The post-bake drizzle refreshes the dish.

Recipe FAQ

What tuna should I choose?
High-quality tuna packed in olive oil is best. If using water-packed, add extra oil to the pizza.
Won't the onions burn?
Yes, if raw. That's why you must caramelize/sauté them first so they become soft and sweet, not burnt.

Ingredients

  • 1 ball Pizza Dough (approx. 1 lb)
  • 3/4 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 5 oz Canned Tuna (drained)
  • 2 whole Red or Yellow Onions
  • 7 oz Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 pinch Salt