Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza Recipe
Chicago-style deep dish pizza is a hearty and delicious meal that originated in the windy city in the mid-20th century. This style of pizza is characterized by its thick, buttery crust, generous layer of cheese, and chunky tomato sauce on top. If you're a fan of pizza and haven't tried this classic dish yet, now is the time to do so! In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of making an authentic Chicago-style deep dish pizza, complete with calorie intake, allergy concerns, spicy level, healthy alternatives, kitchen equipment, and ingredients that can be purchased on Amazon.
Calorie Intake: The calorie intake of a Chicago-style deep dish pizza can vary depending on the ingredients used and the size of the pizza. A small 8-inch pizza can range from 800-1000 calories, while a larger 12-inch pizza can have as many as 2000 calories. To reduce the calorie intake, consider using low-fat cheese, lean meats, and plenty of veggies. Also, try to limit the number of toppings and opt for a thinner crust.
Allergy Concerns: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, it's essential to choose the right ingredients carefully. For example, if you are allergic to gluten, you can use gluten-free flour for the crust. If you're allergic to dairy, you can use a vegan cheese substitute, such as Daiya or Follow Your Heart. Be sure to read the labels carefully and choose ingredients that are free from allergens.
Spicy Level: The level of spiciness in a Chicago-style deep dish pizza can vary depending on personal preference. If you like it spicy, you can add red pepper flakes or jalapenos to the sauce or toppings. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit these ingredients or reduce the amount used.
Healthy Alternatives: To make your deep dish pizza healthier, consider using whole wheat flour for the crust and loading up on veggies for the toppings. Opt for lean proteins like chicken or turkey and choose a low-fat cheese or vegan cheese substitute. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without adding calories.
Kitchen Equipment: To make a Chicago-style deep dish pizza, you will need the following kitchen equipment:
Deep-dish pizza pan or a cast-iron skillet
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven
Ingredients: For the crust:
3 cups all-purpose flour (https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-All-Purpose-Flour/dp/B000EDM9KG)
1/4 cup cornmeal (https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-Cornmeal-Medium/dp/B000ED9L9E)
1/4 cup semolina flour (https://www.amazon.com/ANTIMO-SEMOLINA-Artisanal-Authentic-Italian/dp/B07D5JVVW8/)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1/2 cup ice water
For the sauce:
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, drained and crushed by hand
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the toppings:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (https://www.amazon.com/Kraft-Mozzarella-Shredded-Natural-Cheese/dp/B01LVZIMIQ)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (https://www.amazon.com/Kraft-Grated-Parm
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1/2 cup sliced black olives (https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Pitted-Black-Olives-Tree/dp/B08R1SGC96)
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, semolina flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled and diced butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Gradually add the ice water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/4 inch thick. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan or skillet and press it into the bottom and up the sides.
Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on the bottom of the crust. Top with the cooked Italian sausage, sliced bell pepper, onion, and black olives.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and pour over the toppings.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Amazon Links:
All-purpose flour: https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-All-Purpose-Flour/dp/B000EDM9KG
Cornmeal: https://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-Cornmeal-Medium/dp/B000ED9L9E
Semolina flour: https://www.amazon.com/ANTIMO-SEMOLINA-Artisanal-Authentic-Italian/dp/B07D5JVVW8/
Shredded mozzarella cheese: https://www.amazon.com/Kraft-Mozzarella-Shredded-Natural-Cheese/dp/B01LVZIMIQ
Grated Parmesan cheese: https://www.amazon.com/Kraft-Grated-Parmesan-Cheese-24oz/dp/B0789GTT6L
Black olives: https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Pitted-Black-Olives-Tree/dp/B08R1SGC96
Pizza pan: https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Perfect-Results-Premium-Non-Stick/dp/B07C29JYV1
Pastry blender: https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Pastry-Blender-Stainless/dp/B0171QYQBG
Rolling pin: https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Joseph-Adjustable-Rolling-Pin/dp/B00GG1ACF6
Measuring cups and spoons: https://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-Piece-Glass-Measuring-Set/dp/B00LGLHU9S
Cast-iron skillet: https://www.amazon.com/Lodge-Pre-Seasoned-Cast-Iron-Skillet/dp/B00006JSUA
Crushed tomatoes: https://www.amazon.com/Muir-Glen-Organic-Crushed-Tomatoes/dp/B003VXFK6W
Olive oil: https://www.amazon.com/Pompeian-Smooth-Extra-Virgin-Olive/dp/B00X4R9Z80
Dried oregano: https://www.amazon.com/McCormick-Gourmet-Oregano-Leaves-Ounce/dp/B00OYHTTH0
Italian sausage: https://www.amazon.com/Premio-Sweet-Italian-Sausage-Links/dp/B01N7ILZNY
Note: Please check the ingredients and kitchen equipment you already have before purchasing them on Amazon. We hope this detailed recipe for Chicago-style deep dish pizza has been helpful. With these instructions and ingredients, you can make an authentic and delicious pizza that everyone will enjoy. Remember to customize it to your personal preferences by adjusting the spice level and toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy!