Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Pie

The Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Pie is a beloved culinary icon hailing from the city of Chicago. Known for its thick crust, generous layers of cheese, and rich tomato sauce, this pizza is a far cry from the thin, brittle crusts of its New York counterpart. More than just food, it's a piece of Chicago's culinary history, originating in the 1940s. Created by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo at Pizzeria Uno, the Chicago-style pizza quickly became a regional, then national, sensation.

Ingredients for Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Salt
• Sugar
• Dry yeast
• Water
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Mozzarella cheese
• Italian sausage
• Crushed tomatoes
• Garlic
• Onion
• Basil
• Oregano
• Crushed red pepper
• Parmesan cheese

Preparation Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In another bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture along with olive oil and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large, round deep-dish pizza pan.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out to fit the pan, pressing it into the edges and up the sides.
3. Layer slices of mozzarella cheese directly onto the dough, covering the entire bottom.
4. Add a layer of cooked Italian sausage, spreading it evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped onions. Season with basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
6. Spread the tomato mixture over the sausage layer.
7. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.

Cooking the Pizza

1. Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted and browned slightly.
2. Set your cooking timer to ensure you do not overcook or undercook.
3. Allow the pizza to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment Tips

• Slice your Chicago Deep Dish Pizza into generous wedges and serve hot.
• Pair it with a glass of Zinfandel wine or a locally brewed Chicago beer to enhance the flavors.
• To truly enjoy the essence of a Chicago Deep Dish, savor each bite slowly to appreciate the blend of melted cheese and savory sausage.
• Consider a side of mixed greens drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to complement the pizza's richness.

From its hearty crust to the gooey layers of cheese and robust tomato sauce, the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Pie offers a uniquely satisfying pizza experience. Whether you are a Chicago native or new to this style of pizza, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Dive into a culinary tradition that has delighted both locals and visitors for decades.