Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Background
Chicago deep dish pizza, a staple of Chicago cuisine, was invented at Pizzeria Uno in 1943 by Ike Sewell. This pizza style is characterized by its thick crust that lines a deep pan, creating a pie-like appearance. Unlike traditional pizza, the Chicago deep dish is assembled in reverse, with cheese layered first, followed by meat and vegetables, and topped with a chunky tomato sauce. This unique style has grown in popularity worldwide, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Flour - 2 cups
- Cornmeal - 1/2 cup
- Yeast - 1 packet
- Sugar - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Olive Oil - 1/4 cup
- Butter - 1/4 cup, melted
- Water - 1 cup, warm
- Mozzarella Cheese - 4 cups, shredded
- Sausage - 1 lb, cooked and crumbled
- Green Bell Peppers - 1 cup, sliced
- Onions - 1 cup, sliced
- Mushrooms - 1 cup, sliced
- Crushed Tomatoes - 2 cups
- Parmesan Cheese - 1/4 cup, grated
- Oregano - 1 teaspoon
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
Preparation
1. Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit until the yeast activates, forming bubbles on the surface. Stir olive oil with melted butter into the water mixture. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5-8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Assembling the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface. Grease a deep-dish pizza pan with butter, then press the rolled-out dough into the pan, making sure it goes up the sides. Layer the bottom with mozzarella cheese to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Follow with the sausage, green bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Pour crushed tomatoes over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic.
Cooking Process
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking for even baking. The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese bubbling. Use a cooking timer to ensure perfect timing.
Enjoying Your Meal
Allow the deep dish pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of mixed greens or a classic Caesar salad to balance the meal's richness. This pizza pairs well with a chilled glass of Chianti or a crisp beer, enhancing the dining experience.