Deep-dish Pizza

Deep-dish Pizza Recipe - Authentic USA Style

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Deep-dish pizza is a delicious and hearty dish that originated in Chicago, Illinois. This recipe features a thick crust filled with savory toppings and gooey cheese, making it a favorite among pizza lovers.

History

Deep-dish pizza was created in the 1940s by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, the founders of Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. They wanted to create a pizza that was more like a meal than a snack, so they came up with the idea of a deep-dish crust filled with generous amounts of cheese, sauce, and toppings.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.25 cup margarine or butter
0.5 to 0.75 cup skim milk
6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
0.5 tsp dried basil leaves
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup chopped green bell pepper
0.5 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
0.25 lb (113 g) grated mozzarella cheese (1 cup)

How to prepare

Suggestion: For 2 servings, use a small aluminum foil pan measuring approximately 4 x 8 inches or press a sheet of aluminum foil into a loaf pan and place the foil pan on a cookie sheet.
Measure half of the remaining ingredients and freeze the remaining 3 oz (85 g) of tomato paste for a future meal.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Cook the ground turkey in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
Stir occasionally.
Combine flour, baking powder, and margarine in a bowl.
Cut the margarine into the flour using a fork until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Add enough milk to make a soft, elastic dough similar to biscuit dough.
Press the dough into the sides and bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan.
Combine the tomato paste and seasonings, then spread it over the dough.
Crumble the cooked ground turkey over the sauce.
Sprinkle the green pepper, mushrooms, and cheese on top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crust is brown and crisp.
Cut into four squares before serving.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan.
Experiment with different toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or olives.
Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fully cook the ground turkey before adding it to the pizza to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Press the dough firmly into the pan to create a sturdy crust that can hold the toppings.

- Be generous with the cheese and toppings for a delicious and satisfying pizza.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this deep-dish pizza with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious deep-dish pizza is to cook the crust until it is golden brown and crispy, while ensuring that the toppings are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground turkey, you can use ground beef, chicken, or sausage instead. You can also use whole milk instead of skim milk for a richer crust.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and toppings ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking. This is a great option for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the deep-dish pizza into squares and serve it on a platter for a casual and inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This deep-dish pizza pairs well with a crisp green salad, a glass of red wine, or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover deep-dish pizza 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 this deep-dish pizza recipe contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This deep-dish pizza recipe contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this deep-dish pizza contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

With ground turkey as the main protein source, this recipe provides about 20 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This pizza is a good source of vitamin C from the bell peppers and mushrooms, as well as calcium from the cheese.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this deep-dish pizza recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Deep-dish pizza is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for pizza night at home. With a thick crust, savory toppings, and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I hold close to my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Chicago. My grandmother, a talented cook herself, had invited me over for a day of baking and cooking.

As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of sizzling vegetables on the stove. My grandmother had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she handed me a worn recipe card with the words "Deep-dish Pizza" scrawled across the top.

"I learned this recipe from an Italian friend of mine many years ago," she explained, her hands moving deftly as she rolled out the dough for the pizza crust. "It's a family favorite, and I know you'll love it too."

I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her magic in the kitchen, adding layer upon layer of delicious ingredients to the deep-dish pizza. The combination of tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and savory toppings filled the room with an irresistible aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

As the pizza baked in the oven, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her adventures in the kitchen, learning new recipes from friends and neighbors. She spoke of the time she traveled to Italy and learned the secret to making the perfect pasta sauce, and the day she spent hours perfecting her technique for baking the flakiest croissants.

By the time the pizza was ready, I was practically drooling with excitement. My grandmother cut a generous slice for each of us, the cheese stretching in long, gooey strands as she lifted it from the pan. I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of culinary bliss. The combination of crispy crust, tangy sauce, and melty cheese was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, deep-dish pizza became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I experimented with different toppings and crust recipes, always striving to recreate the magic of that first pizza I had made with my grandmother. Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, each one of them falling in love with the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the dish.

As I grew older, I continued to learn new recipes from a variety of sources - cookbooks, cooking shows, and even the internet. But deep-dish pizza will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because of its delicious taste, but because of the memories it brings back of that special day in my grandmother's kitchen.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to the next generation, I hope that they too will find joy in creating this delicious dish and that it will become a cherished tradition in their own families. Because at the end of the day, cooking isn't just about following a recipe - it's about creating memories and sharing love through the food we make. And for me, deep-dish pizza will always be a reminder of the love and laughter that filled my grandmother's kitchen that day.