Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza In St Louis
When you think of pizza, you may immediately picture the thin, crispy slices of New York-style pizza. However, there is another popular style of pizza that originated in Chicago: deep dish pizza.
Deep dish pizza is known for its thick crust, which is often made with cornmeal and rises high on the sides of the pan. The pizza is then filled with cheese, toppings, and a generous amount of tomato sauce, creating a hearty and filling meal.
The History of Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza
The origins of deep dish pizza can be traced back to the 1940s, when a man named Ike Sewell opened Pizzeria Uno in Chicago. Sewell wanted to create a pizza that was different from the thin and crispy pizzas that were popular at the time, and so he developed the deep dish pizza.
Over the years, deep dish pizza became a beloved Chicago staple and spread to other parts of the country. Today, it can be found in many cities across the United States, including St Louis.
Where to Find Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza in St Louis
If you're in St Louis and craving some deep dish pizza, there are several restaurants that offer this delicious dish.
One popular spot is Pi Pizzeria, which has several locations throughout the city. Pi Pizzeria offers a variety of deep dish pizzas, including a classic cheese pizza and a "South Side" pizza, which is filled with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers.
Another great option is Lou Malnati's, a Chicago-based chain that has a location in St Louis. Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza is known for its buttery crust and generous amount of toppings.
How to Make Your Own Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza
If you can't make it to a restaurant that serves Chicago style deep dish pizza, you can always try making it at home. Here's a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir in the warm water and olive oil until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, then place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise for about an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a deep dish pizza pan with olive oil.
- Roll out the dough and place it in the pan, pressing it up the sides of the pan.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Spread the tomato mixture over the cheese.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza.
- Bake the pizza for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Enjoy your homemade Chicago style deep dish pizza!
Conclusion
If you're in St Louis and looking for a hearty and filling meal, be sure to try some Chicago style deep dish pizza. Whether you visit a local restaurant or try making it at home, this delicious pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings.