Deep Dish Pizza

Pizza Dough

3 1/2 cups 00 or bread flour

1 1/2 teaspoons rapid-rise yeast

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons + 1/4 cup  olive oil

1 1/3 cups + 2 tablespoons warm water- about 80º

Sicilian Pizza Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/2 onion, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 teaspoons Sicilian Seasoning

2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

1 1/2 cups strained tomatoes or tomato sauce

Toppings

1 pound shredded mozzarella

Choice of toppings

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1. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the flour, salt, yeast, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and water. Process until a dough that rides around the blade forms, then continue processing for 30 seconds.

2. Pour remaining 1/4 cup olive oil into a rimmed 1/2 sheet pan (13- by 18-inch) and spread over entire surface to coat. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet and turn in oil until thoroughly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 3 hours.

3. Meanwhile make the Sicilian Pizza Sauce- in a saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil, butter and onion. Cook for 4 minutes or until onions are softened.

4. Add in the tomato paste and Sicilian seasoning. Cook 3-4 minutes or until fragrant. Then add in Parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, them simmer for 25 minutes. Set aside.

5. Carefully remove plastic wrap from pizza dough. Using oiled hands, and push and stretch dough into the corners of the pan by pressing out from the center, lifting each corner, and stretching it beyond the edge of the pan. It should pull back until pan is just filled with dough. Set aside uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 500ºF.

7. Spread the Sicilian Pizza Sauce using the back of a spoon over the dough. (you will not use all of it). Top with mozzarella cheese, then your favorite toppings.

8. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

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