Homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients for the Crust:

• All-purpose flour: 3 ½ cups
• Cornmeal: ½ cup
• Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet)
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Warm water: 1 ½ cups (about 110°F)
• Unsalted butter (melted): ½ cup

Ingredients for the Filling:

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion (chopped): 1 medium
• Bell pepper (chopped): 1 (optional)
• Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled): 1 pound
• Fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced): 2 cups
• Crushed tomatoes (canned): 28 ounces
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
• In another bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and melted butter, then mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a greased bowl covered with a kitchen towel for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft. Add the cooked sausage, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

1. Assemble the Pizza:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Grease a deep-dish pizza pan. Roll out the dough and press it into the pan, covering the sides.
• Layer the mozzarella cheese on the bottom, followed by the sausage and vegetable filling. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza! If you need tips or variations, just let me know!