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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
#### Step 1: Make the Dough
1. **Activate the yeast**: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
2. **Combine dry ingredients**: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, and salt.
3. **Form the dough**: Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. **Let it rise**: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
1. **Sauté the garlic**: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. **Simmer the sauce**: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and deepen in flavor.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
1. **Cook the sausage (optional)**: If using sausage, crumble it into a skillet and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. **Prepare the vegetables**: Dice the bell peppers and onions, and slice the mushrooms and olives.
#### Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
1. **Preheat the oven**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. **Roll out the dough**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a circle that’s about 14 inches in diameter.
3. **Prepare the pan**: Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil. Press the dough into the pan, making sure the dough comes up the sides to form a thick crust. Leave some extra dough around the edges to form a raised crust.
4. **Layer the cheese**: Start by adding the mozzarella cheese to the bottom of the crust. This layer of cheese helps prevent the crust from getting soggy by acting as a barrier between the sauce and dough.
5. **Add the sausage and vegetables**: Layer the cooked sausage (if using) and vegetables over the cheese.
6. **Top with sauce**: Pour the tomato sauce over the filling, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
#### Step 5: Bake the Pizza
1. **Bake**: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
2. **Cool and serve**: Let the pizza cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.
### Tips for Perfect Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
– **Use a deep-dish pizza pan**: The traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza pan is typically 9 or 10 inches in diameter and has high sides to hold the layers of cheese, toppings, and sauce. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular round cake pan or springform pan.
– **Don’t skip the cornmeal**: The cornmeal gives the crust its signature texture and flavor. It’s an essential ingredient for making authentic Chicago-style pizza.
– **Pre-cook the sausage and vegetables**: To avoid excess moisture in the pizza, be sure to cook any meats and vegetables before adding them to the pizza. This prevents a soggy crust.
– **Let it cool before slicing**: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza can be very hot right out of the oven, so it’s important to let it cool slightly before cutting into it. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
### Conclusion
Homemade Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a true labor of love, but the results are more than worth it. The thick, buttery crust, melted cheese, savory toppings, and rich tomato sauce create an unforgettable pizza experience. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a pizza party, or just because you’re craving something comforting and indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. With a bit of time and patience, you’ll be enjoying a slice of Chicago’s finest right in your own home!
