Chicago-Style Pizza
1 package active
dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 cups warm
water
3 1/2 flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 tablespoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2
teaspoons olive oil
1/2 pound hot Italian turkey sausage
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup tomato sauce
2 teaspoons crushed dried oregano
Combine 1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F) with the yeast and sugar in a small bowl;
(remaining 1 cup will be drawn later). Allow to sit until foamy (about 5
minutes).
Meanwhile combine flour, cornmeal and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in first
portion (3 tablespoons) of olive oil. Add yeast mixture; mix well. Slowly add
remaining warm water (1 cup, 105-115°F); stir until stiff and sticky.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured board. Knead until smooth, moist and elastic
(about 10 minutes). Measure 1 teaspoon olive oil into a large bowl (reserve
remaining teaspoon); spread oil around surface. Place dough into bowl; cover
with damp cloth. Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (1 to 2
hours). Lightly oil four 10-inch round cake pans with remaining 1 teaspoon oil
(1/4-teaspoon per pan); set aside.
Later punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into four
pieces. Gently knead each into a ball.
Preheat oven to 500°F. On a floured surface flatten pizza dough balls with palm
of hand. Place one ball into each pan; gently stretch dough to edges, building
up edges to hold filling. Cover pans with a damp cloth; allow to rest (about 15
minutes).
Meanwhile cook sausage in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat until evenly
browned; (remove casings if desired). Drain and discard any excess fat. Reserve
sausage.
Combine cheeses in a small bowl. Take 1/2 of cheese mixture from bowl; scatter
that amount evenly among the 4 pizzas, leaving crust edges bare. Top each pizza
with sausage and tomato sauce. Season each with oregano; sprinkle each with
remaining cheese mix.
Bake 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 400°F; bake 10 additional minutes, until crusts
are brown and cheese is bubbly and golden. Cool slightly and serve in pan.