Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

[lvdkeyes]

Although deep dish pizza was originally developed in Chicago, most Chicagoans eat thin crust pizza, which I usually do also, but on occasion I like a deep dish pizza. This is what I will have tomorrow.

Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza


3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
1 1/2 cup (scant) Water
1/2 cup Yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup Canola oil
1 teaspoon Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast


3 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian herbs/seasonings

In a mixing bowl, add the water, sugar, yeast, flour, cornmeal, and salt.
Mix on low speed for a couple of minutes until dough comes together, then slowly add the oil. Continue to mix dough for 7 more minutes.
The dough should be somewhat wet and smooth, but not sticky. The dough should weigh about 2 pounds. Form the dough into a ball and place in a bowl. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and then a dish towel and put the refrigerator for an overnight rise.

Take the dough out of the refrigerator about one hour prior to making the pizza. Set the bottom oven rack to the lowest position in the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F for at least 30 minutes prior to baking.

Coat the bottom of a well seasoned 15-inch deep dish pan with regular olive oil (do not use extra virgin). Place the dough ball in the center of the pan and press it out until it covers the entire bottom. Then, using you fingers, pull the dough up the side of the pan.
The edge should be pinched up against the side of the pan. If the dough resists holding shape, cover with a towel and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes before trying again.

Using either sliced mozzarella or a mix of sliced mozzarella and provolone, cover the bottom of the dough with cheese.
Add desired toppings (sweet Italian sausage is very popular in Chicago). For this pizza we're using sausage and pepperoni.
Top with crushed tomatoes. Use your hands if necessary to spread out the tomatoes.
Finish topping with Italian herbs/seasonings (chopped fresh basil and dried oregano flakes are favorites) and finally with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Place in the center on the bottom rack of the oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once half way through. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 3 minutes.
Remove from pan, slice and serve.