East of Chicago Pizza Alliance: A Culinary Movement

In the vast culinary landscape of the Midwest, a tantalizing culinary alliance has emerged, one that celebrates the delectable delights of a pizza style that has long languished in the shadows of its more famous counterparts. The East of Chicago Pizza Alliance (ECPA) is a coalition of passionate pizzaiolos, restaurateurs, and pizza enthusiasts who have banded together to elevate the profile of this unsung regional delicacy.

A Unique Pizza Heritage

Hailing from the eastern fringes of the Windy City, East of Chicago pizza represents a distinct culinary tradition that traces its roots to the post-World War II era. As Italian immigrants settled in the suburbs of Gary and Hammond, Indiana, they brought their pizza-making skills with them. However, the lack of readily available mozzarella cheese in these areas led them to experiment with other ingredients.

The result was a unique style of pizza that differed markedly from the thin-crust pizzas of Chicago’s downtown and the thick, pan pizzas of its west side. East of Chicago pizza features a thick, airy crust that is baked in a rectangular pan. The crust is topped with a generous layer of tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a variety of other toppings.

The Rise of the ECPA

For decades, East of Chicago pizza remained a hidden gem, enjoyed primarily by locals and a few intrepid pizza pilgrims. However, in recent years, a growing number of pizza enthusiasts have discovered the allure of this unique style. Buoyed by this newfound appreciation, the ECPA was formed in 2020 to promote and celebrate this underappreciated culinary treasure.

The ECPA has quickly established itself as a leading advocate for East of Chicago pizza. The alliance has organized a series of events and workshops that have helped to raise the profile of this style. Additionally, the ECPA has worked to establish standards for East of Chicago pizza, ensuring that it remains true to its roots.

The Future of East of Chicago Pizza

The future of East of Chicago pizza is bright. As more and more people discover the unique charms of this style, it is poised to become a national sensation. The ECPA is committed to supporting the growth of the East of Chicago pizza industry and ensuring that this culinary delicacy continues to delight pizza lovers for generations to come.

Benefits of East of Chicago Pizza

• Thick, airy crust: The thick, airy crust of East of Chicago pizza is a perfect vehicle for the rich tomato sauce and toppings.
• Generous toppings: East of Chicago pizza is typically loaded with a generous amount of toppings, including mozzarella cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and onions.
• Affordable: East of Chicago pizza is often more affordable than other styles of pizza, making it a great value for your money.
• Versatile: East of Chicago pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can add or remove toppings to create your perfect pizza.

How to Make East of Chicago Pizza

Making East of Chicago pizza is easier than you think. Here is a step-by-step guide that will help you create a delicious East of Chicago pizza in your own home.

1. Make the dough: The first step is to make the dough. You can use a pre-made dough or make your own from scratch. To make your own dough, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a large bowl. Let the yeast dissolve for 5 minutes. Add 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Shape the dough: Once the dough is ready, shape it into a rectangular pan. You can use a standard 9×13 inch baking pan or a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan.
3. Make the sauce: While the dough is rising, make the sauce. To make the sauce, combine 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a saucepan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
4. Top the pizza: Once the dough has risen, spread the sauce over the dough. Top the sauce with mozzarella cheese, your favorite toppings, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza in a preheated oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Enjoy: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks for making the best East of Chicago pizza:

• Use a high-quality dough. The dough is the foundation of a great pizza. Be sure to use a dough that is made with fresh ingredients.
• Let the dough rise. Allowing the dough to rise will help it to develop a rich flavor and a chewy texture.
• Use a generous amount of sauce. The sauce is the heart of a pizza. Be sure to use a sauce that is flavorful and well-seasoned.
• Add your favorite toppings. East of Chicago pizza is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add your favorite toppings to create your perfect pizza.
• Bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown. The crust is the signature feature of East of Chicago pizza. Be sure to bake the pizza until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

East of Chicago pizza is a delicious regional delicacy that deserves to be celebrated. The East of Chicago Pizza Alliance is committed to promoting and preserving this unique style of pizza. If you have never tried East of Chicago pizza, we encourage you to give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.