Discover the Irresistible Delight of Chicago-Style Pizza!

Chicago-style pizza is a true delight for pizza lovers all around the world. With its deep-dish crust, rich tomato sauce, and generous toppings, this pizza is a feast for the senses. Whether you prefer classic combinations like sausage and pepperoni or want to experiment with unique flavors, Chicago-style pizza offers endless possibilities. So, let’s dive into the world of this mouthwatering dish and learn how to make it from scratch!

Ingredients

To make one delicious Chicago-style pizza, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 7g (2 1/4 teaspoons) of instant yeast
• 250ml (1 cup) of warm water
• 400g (14 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g (9 ounces) of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Your favorite toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well.
2. Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it 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 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
6. In the meantime, prepare the tomato sauce by combining the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
7. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a deep-dish pizza pan, spreading it evenly on the bottom and up the sides.
8. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the dough, making sure to cover the entire surface.
9. Add your desired toppings and pour the tomato sauce over them, spreading it evenly.
10. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
11. Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then slice it into delightful pieces.

Notes/Tips

• For a more flavorful crust, you can add some dried herbs or grated Parmesan cheese to the dough before kneading.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the toppings.
• Make sure to grease the pizza pan well to prevent sticking and create a crispy crust.
• You can customize the toppings according to your preference, but remember to not overload the pizza as the deep-dish crust needs time to cook thoroughly.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its original deliciousness.

Now that you have the recipe for the sensational Chicago-style pizza, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test. With its deep, cheesy, and flavorful layers, this pizza is sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor a slice of Chicago’s iconic culinary treasure in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy!