Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza

1. Prepare the Dough

Mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, and yeast in a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Gradually add the water and melted butter, letting it mix for about 1-2 minutes until the ingredients come together. Continue kneading the dough on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until it becomes glossy and smooth, pulling away from the sides of the bowl.

2. First Dough Rise

Coat a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and transfer the dough into it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Sauce

While the dough rises, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated onion, oregano, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. Cook until the onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and 0.25 teaspoons of sugar, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until it thickens. Finish by stirring in the chopped basil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Laminate the Dough

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12 by 15-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly into a cylinder, then flatten it into a 9 by 12-inch rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds like a business letter, then form it into a ball. Return the dough to the oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise again for 40-50 minutes.

5. Prepare the Pans

While the dough undergoes its second rise, coat two 9-inch round cake pans with the remaining 0.25 cups of olive oil.

6. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, divide it in half and roll each portion into a 13-inch disk. Transfer the disks to the prepared pans, pressing the dough into the corners and up the sides. If the dough resists, let it relax for 5 minutes before continuing.

7. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

8. Assemble the Pizzas

Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough in each pan. Spread the prepared tomato sauce over the cheese, ensuring it's well distributed. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

9. Bake the Pizzas

Bake the pizzas in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Once baked, let the pizzas rest for 10 minutes before slicing.