chicgo Damenzoe’s

Introduction:

Welcome to the ultimate deep-dish pizza experience! Chicago Damenzoe’s is a recipe that captures the essence of what makes Chicago’s deep-dish pizza famous: a buttery, flaky crust filled with layers of rich, tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory toppings. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or a home chef looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

Chicago Damenzoe’s Deep-Dish Pizza is an indulgent meal that will satisfy any craving for comfort food. The recipe takes time, but the results are worth every minute spent. The method of preparation is slightly intensive, but with the right guidance, you can recreate this classic Chicago dish right in your kitchen.

Recipe Details:

• Name: Chicago Damenzoe’s Deep-Dish Pizza
• Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough and filling prep)
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
• Serving Size: 6-8 slices
• Cuisine: American, Chicago-style
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate (for experienced home cooks)

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

For the pizza filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1 ½ cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

For assembly:

• Extra olive oil for greasing
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant dry yeast. Stir to combine, then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows the yeast is active.

2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to form.

3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.

4. Let the dough rise: Shape the dough into a ball and coat it lightly with olive oil. Place the dough in a large bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the Pizza Filling

1. Cook the sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they are softened and any moisture has evaporated. Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize.

3. Add the tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and cook the mixture for another 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally. Once thickened, return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven. This will help achieve that perfectly crispy crust that Chicago-style deep-dish is known for.

2. Prepare the pan: Grease a 9-inch or 10-inch round deep-dish pizza pan with olive oil, making sure to coat the sides as well.

3. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large circle that is about 14 inches in diameter. The dough should be thin but strong enough to hold the weight of the filling. Carefully transfer the dough into the prepared pizza pan. Press the dough into the sides and base of the pan, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.

4. Layer the cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough. Be generous—this is one of the key components of the deep-dish pizza.

5. Add the filling: Spoon the cooled sausage and vegetable filling into the crust, spreading it evenly over the cheese layer.

6. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the filling. If you like, you can also sprinkle a little extra dried thyme for added flavor.

7. Seal the pizza: Fold the excess dough over the top of the filling to create a thick border. The dough may overlap the edges of the pan, which is fine, as it will bake into a crust. Brush the top of the dough with a little olive oil for extra crispness.

Step 4: Baking the Pizza

1. Bake the pizza: Place the pizza on the lower rack of the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Check the pizza halfway through and, if necessary, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

2. Cool the pizza: Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before cutting. This allows the cheese and sauce to set, preventing a messy slice.

Step 5: Serving and Garnishing

1. Slice and serve: Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the deep-dish pizza into wedges. Serve warm with fresh basil leaves on top for added color and flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Dough consistency: If the dough seems too sticky or too dry, adjust the flour or water by adding small amounts until you achieve the right texture. It should be smooth and elastic but not too wet.

• Cheese choice: Use whole-milk mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. If you prefer a more decadent version, you can use a combination of mozzarella and provolone.

• Sauce consistency: The sauce should be thick to avoid a soggy crust. Be sure to cook the sauce down long enough to let the excess moisture evaporate.

• Freezing the pizza: You can make the pizza ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Simply assemble the pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, bake straight from frozen, but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 450-500 calories
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 9-12 grams
• Fiber: 3-4 grams
• Sodium: 600-700 milligrams
• Cholesterol: 30-40 milligrams
• Sugars: 4-5 grams

Conclusion:

Chicago Damenzoe’s Deep-Dish Pizza is the quintessential comfort food, a rich and savory meal that brings people together over a hot, cheesy, and hearty slice. The balance of textures—crispy crust, gooey cheese, and tangy tomato sauce—makes this pizza unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a filling meal, this deep-dish pizza is bound to impress.

Enjoy this recipe and savor the flavors of Chicago right in your own home!