Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza

ratherbeswimmin''s Note:

In 'Lidia's Italy in America' by Lidia Bastianich

• Total Time: 3 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

Dough

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading the dough
• 1/2 cup fine cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the bowl and pan

Topping

• 4 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 -1 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 2 ounces pepperoni, sliced
• 1/2 cup grated grana padano or 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions:

1. Pour 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons warm (90-110 degree F) water into a bowl, then stir in the sugar and yeast.
2. Let sit until the yeast begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
3. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the flour, cornmeal, and salt on low to combine.
4. Pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil to combine while still mixing.
5. Once the dough comes together, switch to the dough hook, and knead on med-high speed to make a smooth dough, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add a little more water or flour as needed to make a soft dough.
7. Put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
8. Preheat oven to 400°; punch down the dough, and press it into a 14 x 10 inch oiled baking pan or an oiled 12 inch cast iron skillet, gently pressing the dough up the sides to make a shell.
9. Fill the shell with an even layer of provolone and mozzarella, then spread the sauce to cover the cheese completely.
10. Top with the pepperoni, and sprinkle with the grated cheese and oregano.
11. Cover with foil, and bake 45 minutes.
12. Then uncover, and bake until the crust is deep golden brown and the pizza is bubbly, about 20 minutes.
13. Let sit about 5-10 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving.