homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza:
For the crust:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 1/4 cups warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the sauce:
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the filling:
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Your choice of toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, vegetables)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the warm water and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until it doubles in size.
5. While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a deep-dish pizza pan or a round cake pan. Press the dough evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan, forming a crust.
8. Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bottom of the crust.
9. Add your desired toppings (e.g., pepperoni, sausage, vegetables) over the cheese.
10. Pour the prepared sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly.
11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
12. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your homemade Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
