Amazing Chicago deep.dish pizza

 

History of Chicago style pizza

Chicago-style pizza, also known as deep-dish pizza, is a distinct and iconic style of pizza that originated in Chicago, Illinois. It is well-known for its thick, high-sided crust which allows for large amounts of cheese and a chunky tomato sauce.

The creation of Chicago-style pizza is generally credited to Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, who founded Pizzeria Uno in Chicago in 1943. The original idea was to create a pizza that was more of a meal than just a snack, inverting the traditional Italian pizza format to feature deeper layers of toppings.

Chicago-style pizza starts with a thick layer of dough laid into a deep round pan and pulled up the sides. The dough is typically pre-baked slightly before the fillings are added to prevent it from becoming soggy. Then, layers of cheese (usually mozzarella) are added directly on top of the dough. Unlike other styles of pizza, the toppings like meat (such as sausage, pepperoni, or meatballs) and vegetables (such as onions, peppers, and mushrooms) are then layered on the cheese. Finally, the pizza is topped with a can of crushed tomatoes, which stays chunky and is often seasoned with a sprinkle of oregano and other spices.

The result is a thick, hearty pizza that is eaten with a knife and fork, a substantial departure from the thin, crispy crusts associated with traditional Italian or New York-style pizzas. Over the years, Pizzeria Uno has expanded to numerous locations (operating under the name Uno Pizzeria & Grill), and many other pizzerias in Chicago have developed their variations of the original recipe.

Chicago-style pizza has grown in popularity and has become a culinary emblem of the city, celebrated for its unique approach to traditional pizza. Its influence has spread, with Chicago-style pizzas now available in many parts of the United States and around the world.

How to make Chicago style pizza

Making a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza involves several key steps, focusing on creating a thick, buttery crust, layering in plenty of cheese and toppings, and finishing with a chunky tomato sauce on top. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own authentic Chicago-style pizza:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup yellow cornmeal

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

1 1/4 cups water, lukewarm

1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided (1/4 cup melted, 1/4 cup softened)

Vegetable oil for greasing

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced

1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Other toppings as desired (peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast.

Add the lukewarm water and melted butter. Mix using a spoon or a dough hook until the dough forms a cohesive, slightly sticky ball.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a circle large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 12-inch deep-dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet.

Place the dough in the pan, pressing it into the corners and up the sides. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

Layer the Ingredients:

Start with a layer of sliced mozzarella, covering the bottom of the crust.

Add your cooked sausage and any other toppings you desire.

In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then spread this over the top of the pizza.

Bake the Pizza:

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Halfway through the baking, dot the top with softened butter for an extra rich flavor.

Finishing Touches:

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with grated Parmesan cheese.

Carefully remove the pizza from the pan using a large spatula and transfer it to a cutting board.

Serve

Cut the pizza into wedges and serve hot

Making Chicago-style pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially as you get to customize the toppings to your preference. Enjoy crafting your deep-dish masterpiece!

Is it healthy?

Chicago-style pizza, with its deep, dense layers of dough, cheese, and toppings, tends to be quite high in calories, fats, and sodium. Here’s a breakdown of its health aspects:

Nutritional Content

Calories: A single slice of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza can have a substantial amount of calories, often ranging from 300 to 450 calories per slice, depending on the ingredients and size of the slice.

Fat: Due to the high cheese content and often meaty toppings, these pizzas are also high in fat, particularly saturated fat.

Carbohydrates: The thick crust contributes a significant amount of carbohydrates.

Sodium: Both the cheese and cured meats commonly used as toppings (such as sausage or pepperoni) are high in sodium, which can contribute to an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease if consumed in excess.

Fiber and Vitamins: Depending on the choice of toppings, such as vegetables, there can be some fiber and vitamins, but these are typically minimal compared to the overall calorie and fat content.

Health Considerations

Dietary Restrictions: For individuals watching their calorie intake or managing health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or dietary intolerances, Chicago-style pizza may need to be consumed in moderation.

Balance and Moderation: Incorporating a slice as part of a balanced diet, where the rest of the day’s meals are controlled for nutrition and calorie content, can make it a more viable option.

Homemade Alternatives: Making your own Chicago-style pizza at home can allow for healthier substitutions, such as whole wheat flour for the dough, reduced-fat cheese, or loading up on vegetable toppings instead of high-fat meats.

Conclusion

While delicious and satisfying, Chicago-style pizza is best enjoyed occasionally rather than as a regular part of one’s diet, especially for those with specific dietary goals or health considerations. Like many indulgent foods, moderation is key.

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