Chicago-style Pizza

Chicago-style Pizza Recipe - Authentic Deep Dish Pizza from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicago-style pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, is a popular dish that originated in Chicago, Illinois. This hearty and flavorful pizza is known for its thick crust, generous toppings, and savory tomato sauce.

History

Chicago-style pizza was invented in 1943 by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, the founders of Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. They wanted to create a pizza that was different from the traditional thin-crust pizzas commonly found in New York. The result was a deep-dish pizza with a thick, buttery crust that could hold a generous amount of toppings.

Ingredients

2.5 cups of all-purpose flour
1 pack of fast-rising active dry yeast
0.13 tsp of salt
1 cup of water (120°F (49°C) to 130°F)
2 tsp of olive oil
3 tbsp of Kikkoman lite soy sauce
1.5 tsp of dried italian herbs, crushed
1 garlic clove, pressed
1.5 cups of shredded low fat mozzarella cheese, divided
0.25 lb (113 g) of mushrooms, sliced
2 medium tomatoes, cut into thin wedges
1 small green bell pepper, sliced

How to prepare

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a mixing bowl; stir in water and oil until a ball forms.
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead for 1 minute. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which should take about 30 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the next 3 ingredients and set them aside.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a circle about 5 inches in diameter and place them on lightly oiled baking sheets, slightly building up the edges.
Brush the circles with half of the soy sauce mixture and sprinkle them with 1 cup of cheese.
Divide the vegetables between the pizzas and brush them with the remaining soy sauce mixture.
Top the pizzas with the remaining cheese.
Bake them in a 450°F (232°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden.

Variations

Add cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meat lover's version of Chicago-style pizza.
Experiment with different vegetable toppings, such as onions, olives, or spinach.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rise properly to achieve a light and airy crust.

- Use a deep-dish pizza pan to create the signature thick crust of Chicago-style pizza.

- Pre-cook any raw toppings, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to ensure they are fully cooked when the pizza is done baking.

Serving Suggestions

Chicago-style pizza is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a deep-dish pizza pan to achieve the signature thick crust of Chicago-style pizza.

- Pre-cook any raw toppings to ensure they are fully cooked when the pizza is done baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour for a healthier crust option.

- Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version of Chicago-style pizza.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Chicago-style pizza can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicago-style pizza on a large platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicago-style pizza with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a classic combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicago-style pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicago-style pizza contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicago-style pizza contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicago-style pizza contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicago-style pizza contains approximately 12 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicago-style pizza is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A due to the cheese and vegetable toppings.

Alergens

Chicago-style pizza contains gluten and dairy allergens.

Summary

Chicago-style pizza is a hearty and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of calcium and vitamins.

Summary

Chicago-style pizza is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for pizza lovers looking for a unique and satisfying meal. With its thick crust, generous toppings, and savory tomato sauce, this pizza is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day in Chicago, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant metropolis. As I passed by a quaint little pizzeria, the aroma of freshly baked pizza wafted through the air, enticing me to step inside.

I was greeted by the friendly owner, an elderly Italian man with a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile on his face. He welcomed me with open arms and invited me to sit at a cozy table by the window. As I perused the menu, my eyes lit up when I saw "Chicago-style Pizza" listed as a specialty.

Curious and eager to try something new, I ordered a slice of the famous pizza. When it arrived at my table, I was amazed by its sheer size and decadent toppings. The thick, buttery crust was piled high with gooey cheese, savory sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and a colorful array of vegetables. It was a sight to behold, and my taste buds were tingling in anticipation.

I took my first bite, and instantly, I was transported to pizza paradise. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I savored every delicious morsel. The combination of textures and tastes was unlike anything I had ever experienced before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I couldn't resist complimenting the owner on his masterpiece, and he chuckled warmly, revealing that the recipe had been passed down through generations of his family. Seeing my genuine interest and enthusiasm, he graciously offered to share the recipe with me, a rare and treasured gift.

With a twinkle in his eye, he led me to the kitchen, where he revealed the secrets of making the perfect Chicago-style pizza. The dough, he explained, was a labor of love, requiring time and patience to rise to perfection. The sauce was a carefully guarded blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, simmered to perfection on the stovetop. The toppings were fresh and abundant, sourced from local farms and markets.

As I watched and learned, I felt a sense of kinship with the elderly owner, a fellow food lover and culinary enthusiast. He shared stories of his childhood in Italy, where he learned the art of pizza-making from his own grandmother, a wise and skilled cook. The traditions and techniques he had inherited were now being passed down to me, a connection that transcended time and distance.

With a sense of reverence and gratitude, I absorbed every detail of the recipe, committing it to memory and vowing to honor its legacy. I thanked the owner profusely for his generosity and kindness, promising to cherish and preserve the recipe for generations to come.

As I left the pizzeria that day, clutching the precious recipe in my hands, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had uncovered a culinary treasure, a hidden gem that would enrich my family's meals and gatherings for years to come.

Back in my own kitchen, I rolled up my sleeves and set to work, channeling the spirit and skill of the elderly owner as I mixed, kneaded, and shaped the dough. The scent of rising yeast filled the air, mingling with the rich aromas of simmering sauce and sizzling toppings.

As the pizza baked in the oven, its golden crust puffing up and bubbling with melted cheese, I knew that I had succeeded in capturing the essence of Chicago-style pizza. The flavors and textures were just as I remembered, a tantalizing tribute to the recipe that had captured my heart and taste buds.

When I served the pizza to my family that evening, their eyes widened in amazement and delight. They marveled at the size and beauty of the pie, eagerly reaching for a slice and savoring each bite with joyful abandon. The taste of tradition and love infused every mouthful, creating a sense of warmth and connection that transcended the simple act of eating.

As we sat around the table, laughing and sharing stories, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the recipe that had brought us together. It was more than just a dish; it was a symbol of unity and heritage, a link to the past and a bridge to the future.

And so, as I look back on that fateful day in Chicago, I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude. The moment I found the recipe for Chicago-style pizza will forever remain etched in my memory, a cherished chapter in my culinary journey and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together in joy and celebration.