Homemade Deep-Dish Pizza Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Drain the 400g tin of plum tomatoes, saving the juice for later use (like for Bloody Marys or freezing).

Step 2: Mash the Tomatoes

Place the drained tomatoes in a bowl and squish them with your hands until they’re mashed.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

Add the 1/2 tsp golden caster sugar, 1 tsp oregano, a handful of fresh basil, and 1 crushed clove of garlic to the mashed tomatoes. Stir to combine and set aside while you prepare the dough.

Step 4: Activate the Yeast

In a separate bowl, combine 1 tsp dried active yeast, 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tsp golden caster sugar, and 2 tbsp groundnut oil. Add 150ml warm water, mix, and let it sit for 5 minutes in a warm place.

Step 5: Let the Yeast Activate

After 5 minutes, check to see if the yeast mixture is bubbly and frothy. If so, it's ready.

Step 6: Make the Dough

Gradually add 250g strong bread flour and 1/5 tsp sea salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to form a dough, adding a little more warm water if necessary.

Step 7: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 8: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with clingfilm, and leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour, allowing it to rise.

Step 9: Prepare the Tin

While the dough is rising, oil a 23cm x 4cm deep metal cake or pie tin to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it a couple of times. Roll and stretch the dough out to fit the tin.

Step 11: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C) or gas mark 5.

Step 12: Assemble the Pizza

Spread 2 tablespoons of finely grated pecorino cheese over the base of the dough. Then, add the 125g grated mozzarella cheese and top with 70g sliced pepperoni. Spoon the prepared pizza sauce over the top, and finish with the remaining pecorino.

Step 13: Bake the Pizza

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges of the dough are crisp and golden, and the filling is bubbling.

Step 14: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before cutting it into wedges and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Homemade Deep-Dish Pizza Perfection!

Hope you liked this recipe! If so, please share it with your friends