Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 115°F)
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Approximately 3 1/2 cups bread flour

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• One 8-ounce can plain tomato sauce
• One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1/3 cup finely diced onion
• 1/3 cup finely diced celery
• 1/3 cup finely diced green pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
• One bay leaf
• Two large cloves pressed garlic
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

Toppings:

• 2 cups grated mozzarella blended with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Other toppings of your choice (e.g., onion, fresh mushrooms, pepperoni, green pepper)

Method:

1. Prepare the Dough in a Cast-Iron Skillet:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup hot water, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand in a warm place for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
   • Stir in the remaining water, salt, oil, and 1 1/2 cups of flour. Gradually add more flour until the dough pulls away from the sides.
   • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until elastic and smooth.
   • Grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and press the dough into it, forming a bowl with the edges. Ensure the skillet is well-greased to achieve a crispy crust.
2. Make the Pizza Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, cook onions, celery, and green pepper in olive oil until onions are translucent.
   • Add the remaining sauce ingredients (except Parmesan), bring to a boil, then simmer until reduced by about a quarter.
   • Stir in Parmesan, cook for 30 seconds, and set aside.
3. Assemble the Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza:
   • Let the dough in the skillet rest for five minutes.
   • Spread 2/3 of the cheese mixture on the crust to create a barrier.
   • Add toppings of your choice, then pour the sauce and finish with the remaining cheese.
4. Bake the Cast-Iron Skillet Pizza:
   • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
   • Bake the pizza in the cast-iron skillet for about 25 minutes or until the cheese and visible crust are nicely browned.
   • Check for doneness around the 17-minute mark.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the cast-iron skillet from the oven, and let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing it directly in the skillet.

Enjoy your flavorful Chicago-style deep-dish pizza made in a cast-iron skillet! 🍕