Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

Indulge in the iconic flavors of Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza, a beloved dish that perfectly captures the essence of the Windy City’s culinary delights. Lynn Hamilton from Naperville, Illinois, shares this fantastic recipe that allows you to re-create the best of Chicago’s deep-dish pizzas right in the comfort of your own town. With its rich layers of toppings and flaky cornmeal crust, this pizza promises to satisfy your cravings and transport you to the heart of Chicago.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 to 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 1 package (¼ ounce) quick-rise yeast
• 1½ teaspoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• ⅓ cup olive oil

TOPPINGS:

• ½ pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 24 slices pepperoni (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and salt. Heat water and oil to 120°-130° F in a small saucepan. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled.
3. Cook and stir mushrooms in 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until tender. Mix tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings in a small bowl.
4. Grease a 13×9-in. baking pan with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Roll out the dough into a 15×11-in. rectangle and transfer it to the prepared pan, pressing it onto the bottom and halfway up the sides. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
5. Spoon half of the sauce over the cheese (save the remaining sauce for other use or dipping). Layer with sausage, sauteed mushrooms, and, if desired, pepperoni. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake the pizza covered at 450° F for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with basil if desired.

YIELD: 12 servings

PREP/BAKE TIME: 40 minutes (preparation) + 40 minutes (baking)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Allow the dough to rise until doubled for a fluffier crust.
• Customize the toppings to your preference by adding your favorite ingredients, such as bell peppers, onions, or olives.

TIPS:

• For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and black olives.
• Serve the Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

In conclusion, the Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza is a scrumptious delight that captures the essence of Chicago’s renowned culinary heritage. Lynn Hamilton from Naperville, Illinois, shares this fantastic recipe that allows you to savor the best of Chicago’s deep-dish pizzas, no matter where you are.

The delectable layers of toppings, from sauteed mushrooms and savory sausage to the classic mozzarella cheese, create a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. The flaky cornmeal crust offers a delightful texture that perfectly complements the rich and hearty toppings.

This knife-and-fork pizza is a hit not only in Chicago but around the world, and with this homemade version, you can bring the iconic taste of deep-dish pizza right to your dining table.

Customize the toppings to suit your preferences and add your family’s favorite ingredients for a personalized touch. Whether you enjoy it with classic pepperoni or opt for a vegetarian version with an array of vegetables, this pizza promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, savor the Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza and experience the mouthwatering flavors of this beloved dish that has stood the test of time. Gather your loved ones around and enjoy the taste of Chicago’s culinary tradition right in the comfort of your own home.