DEEP DISH PIZZA

Here’s a Deep Dish Pizza recipe that brings the classic Chicago-style pizza home! It’s thick, cheesy, and loaded with sauce and toppings.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120ml) yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 3 cups (340g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 lb (225g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup (50g) sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Make the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft.
2. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to thicken.

Assemble the Pizza:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or deep-dish pizza pan with oil.
2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Press the dough into the skillet, allowing it to come up the sides of the pan.
3. Layer the bottom with mozzarella cheese, then add cooked sausage, pepperoni, and any other desired toppings.
4. Pour the thickened tomato sauce over the toppings and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Let the pizza rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade deep dish pizza!