### **Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza**
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#### **Introduction:**
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a rich, hearty dish that stands out from traditional pizzas due to its thick, buttery crust and deep layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings. This iconic pizza, originating in Chicago in the 1940s, offers a comforting, indulgent alternative to the classic thin-crust pizza. Its towering height and gooey layers make it a satisfying meal for pizza lovers.
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#### **Origin and Cultural Significance:**
Chicago-style deep dish pizza was created by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, founders of the pizzeria Pizzeria Uno, in 1943. The pizza was designed to be a meal that could rival a full dinner, unlike the typical pizza which was often considered a snack. Over time, deep dish pizza became a symbol of Chicago’s food culture, and the city is now renowned for its pizza variations. It is considered one of the must-try foods for anyone visiting Chicago.
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#### **Ingredients and Quantities:**
##### For the crust:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornmeal
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/2 tsp instant yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp butter (melted)
##### For the filling:
– 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably spicy)
– 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
– 1/2 onion (diced)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 bell pepper (diced) (optional)
– 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
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#### **Optional Additions:**
– Mushrooms (sliced)
– Green olives (sliced)
– Fresh basil (chopped)
– Green bell peppers (sliced)
– Anchovies
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#### **Tips for Success:**
1. **Use a cast-iron skillet or deep-dish pizza pan** to get the perfect crisp crust and even cooking.
2. **Let the dough rise** for about 1-1.5 hours to ensure a tender, fluffy crust.
3. **Layer your cheese first, then sauce** to prevent the sauce from sogging the crust.
4. **Avoid overloading the pizza with sauce**—less is more for a balanced flavor.
5. **Pre-cook the sausage** and any veggies before adding them to the pizza to prevent excess moisture.
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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the dough**: In a large bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil, and knead the dough until smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Let it rise in a lightly oiled bowl for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
2. **Prepare the filling**: While the dough is rising, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces. Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. **Assemble the pizza**: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a 10-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet. Roll out the dough into a circle large enough to cover the sides of the pan. Press it into the pan, leaving some dough hanging over the edges. Layer the mozzarella cheese, followed by sausage, onion, and pepper mixture. Pour the tomato sauce over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. **Bake the pizza**: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil and continue baking.
5. **Serve and enjoy**: Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
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#### **Description:**
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a dense, substantial meal known for its buttery, flaky crust that rises around a filling of cheese, meats, vegetables, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. The pizza is served in a deep pan, resembling a pie, and is often eaten with a knife and fork due to its height and heartiness. It’s a pizza that offers a balance of savory flavors, from the spicy sausage to the creamy cheeses and the tangy sauce.
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#### **Nutritional Information (per slice, serving 8 slices per pizza):**
– Calories: 400–500
– Protein: 18g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 8g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 6g
– Sodium: 800mg
– Calcium: 15% DV
– Iron: 10% DV
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
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#### **Conclusion:**
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a satisfying, decadent dish that stands as a testament to the creativity and indulgence of Chicago’s culinary scene. It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends and makes for a memorable, hearty meal. The rich layers of cheese, sausage, and sauce provide a full and flavorful experience unlike any other pizza style.
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#### **Recommendation:**
While Chicago-style deep dish pizza is often a heavier choice, it’s a wonderful indulgence for special occasions or when you want something more substantial than the traditional pizza. If you’re looking to embrace healthful indulgence, consider swapping in lower-fat cheeses, using leaner meats, or adding extra vegetables to lighten the dish without compromising flavor.