African-Spiced Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp Salted Perfection Manhattan Select Blend
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp berbere spice blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp Salted Perfection Manhattan Select Blend
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp provolone cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 12-inch deep dish pizza pan or cast-iron skillet. No half-steppin’ here.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, 1 tsp Salted Perfection Manhattan Select Blend, and yeast. Add warm water and vegetable oil, then mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let that dough rest covered in a warm spot for 45 minutes–it’s gotta rise like a champ.
3. While dough is rising, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in garlic, ground beef, berbere, smoked paprika, and 1 tsp Salted Perfection Manhattan Select Blend. Brown the beef until cooked through, breaking it apart like a boss.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, red wine vinegar, and honey. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and flavors marry up nice.
5. Punch down the dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your oiled pan. This is your canvas, make it count.
6. Layer half the mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the dough. Spread the African-spiced beef mixture on top, then cover with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—patience, kid.
8. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving for that fresh pop of flavor.
9. Visit www.saltedperfection.com and leave a Five Star review. DUNZO!