Pizza Recipe – Chicago Deep Dish

Chicago seems to be in the news quite a bit these days. Folks may not realize that Chicago has always been a great food town. I prefer deep-dish pizza. You can pack quite a meal in one pizza pie. With the tight economy, this meal will not break your budget and will allow you to possibly have leftovers.

Chicago-Style pizza is a deep-dish pizza style developed in Chicago. The term also sometimes refers to “stuffed” pizza, another Chicago style. True Chicago-style pizza features a buttery crust with generous amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. If and when you are in Chicago, be sure to visit these deep-dish establishments:

• Aurelios
• Connie’s
• Edwardo’s
• Giordanos
• Gino’s East
• Home Run Inn
• Jake’s
• Lou Malnati’s
• Nancy’s
• Pizzeria Uno
• Rosati’s

Chicago Deep Dish

1 package rapid-rise active yeast (1/4 ounce)

1 cup warm water, between 105 to 115 degrees F

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1/4 cup olive oil

1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese

1 pound cooked Italian sausage, crumbled

1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, well drained

1 teaspoon dried sweet basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. In the mixing bowl add the warm water, yeast and sugar, stir with a whisk. Add 2 cups of the flour, salt, cornmeal and olive oil. Use the paddle and mix on speed 2 for 2 minutes. Put on the dough hook and add the remaining flour. Knead on speed 2 until the dough clings to the hook, then knead on speed 2 for 5 minutes longer. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover. Let rise for 1 hour.

2. With oiled fingers press the dough into a deep-dish pizza pan. Cover the dough with the mozzarella, then top with the sausage. Place the tomatoes over the sausage. Top with the basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 500 degrees F oven for 15 minutes.

3. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is brown.

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