Best 9 Homemade Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Recipes

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Chicago deep dish pizza, with its thick, buttery crust, rich and flavorful sauce, and gooey, melted cheese, is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're a local Chicagoan or simply a fan of this iconic pizza style, finding the best recipe to create your own homemade version can be a daunting task. This definitive guide will provide you with the essential tips, techniques, and ingredient recommendations you need to craft the perfect homemade Chicago deep dish pizza that will rival even the most renowned pizzerias in the Windy City.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CHICAGO-STYLE DEEP-DISH PIZZA



Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza image

My husband and I tried to duplicate the deep-dish pizza recipe from a popular restaurant, and I think our Chicago-style deep-dish pizza turned out even better. The secret is baking it in a cast-iron skillet! -Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 2 pizzas (8 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 18

3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
TOPPINGS:
6 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil and pepper
1 pound bulk Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
48 slices pepperoni
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar and salt. In a saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add remaining flour to form a stiff dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes., Punch dough down; divide in half. Roll each portion into an 11-in. circle. Press dough onto the bottom and up the sides of two greased 10-in. cast-iron or other ovenproof skillets. Sprinkle each with 2 cups mozzarella cheese., In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste and seasonings. Spoon 1-1/2 cups over each pizza. Layer each with half of the sausage, pepperoni and mushrooms; 1 cup mozzarella; and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. , Cover and bake at 450° for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake until lightly browned, about 5 minutes longer.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 407 calories, Fat 23g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 872mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

HOMEMADE CHICAGO DEEP-DISH PIZZA



Homemade Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza image

Since I live near Chicago, I've managed to sample more than my share of deep-dish pizzas. This recipe lets you re-create the best of my town-right in your town! -Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/3 cup olive oil
TOPPINGS:
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, well drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1 pound bulk Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
24 slices pepperoni, optional
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar and salt. In a small saucepan, heat water and oil to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes., In a large skillet, saute the mushrooms in 2 teaspoons oil until tender. In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic and seasonings., Generously grease a 13x9-in. baking pan or dish with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Punch dough down. Roll out into a 15x11-in. rectangle. Transfer to prepared pan, pressing onto the bottom and halfway up the sides of pan. Sprinkle with 2 cups mozzarella cheese., Spoon half of the sauce over the cheese (save remaining sauce for another use or for dipping). Layer with the sausage, sauteed mushrooms and, if desired, pepperoni; top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. , Cover and bake at 450° for 35 minutes. Uncover; bake about 5 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Sprinkle with basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Fat 22g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 761mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

CHICAGO DEEP-DISH PIZZA



Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza image

Home cooks will find deep-dish pizza, with its unique buttery cornmeal crust, more forgiving than its New York counterpart. No need to worry about having the hottest oven or too many toppings - just make sure your sauce is very thick and flavorful! I garnished mine with parsley and more Parmesan cheese.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pizza Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 ⅓ cups warm water
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup melted butter
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons fine salt
½ cup cornmeal
3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons olive oil, or as needed, divided
4 cups pizza sauce, or to taste
4 ounces sliced provolone cheese
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
4 ounces shredded part-skim, low-moisture mozzarella cheese
2 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Pour water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Sprinkle in yeast and let dissolve, about 10 minutes. Add olive oil, melted butter, sugar, salt, cornmeal, and most of the flour. Knead, stopping to scrape down the sides occasionally and adding more flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
  • Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead in extra flour if needed. Roll into a ball and place in a bowl greased with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Cover with a plate and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume, 1 to 2 hours.
  • Meanwhile, let pizza sauce simmer in a pot over low heat until very thick, 60 to 90 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Poke dough to deflate and turn out onto your work surface. Press and stretch out dough into a round shape 3 to 4 inches larger than a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Brush skillet with 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil. Place dough in the skillet; stretch and pull to evenly distribute it over the bottom and sides.
  • Lay provolone cheese over the bottom of the crust. Scatter fresh mozzarella on top. Add Italian sausage and firm mozzarella. Ladle pizza sauce generously on top. Grate Parmesan cheese on top. Fold the edges of the crust in towards the center to seal in the sides. Drizzle crust and center with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • Bake in the center of the preheated oven until crust sounds hollow and pizza is beautifully browned, about 35 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 612.5 calories, Carbohydrate 52.6 g, Cholesterol 74.5 mg, Fat 32.4 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 25.4 g, SaturatedFat 14.2 g, Sodium 1486.6 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

CHICAGO-STYLE DEEP DISH PIZZAS



Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizzas image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h21m

Yield 2 (12-inch) deep dish pizzas

Number Of Ingredients 28

8 ounces mushrooms, wiped clean and thinly sliced
Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza Dough, recipe follows
1 green bell pepper, cored and cut into thin rings
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
1 yellow onion, cut into thin rings
1 cup thinly sliced black olives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1 pound crumbled hot Italian sausage
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can plum tomatoes, coarsely crushed
1 tablespoon dry red wine
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
8 ounces pepperoni, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F)
1 (1/4-ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup semolina flour
1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus 2 teaspoons to grease bowl
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • While the dough is rising, make the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the herbs, seeds, salt, and black and red peppers, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, wine and sugar, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely before using.
  • Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
  • Oil 2 seasoned 12-inch round deep-dish pizza pans with the extra-virgin olive oil. Press 1 piece of dough into each pan, pressing to the edge and stretching about 1 1/2 inches up the sides. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Layer the mozzarella cheese all over the bottom of the pies. Top each with half of the pepperoni, mushrooms, bell pepper rings, onions, black olives and sausage. Ladle the sauce evenly over each pizza and top with Parmesan.
  • Bake until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, slice and serve hot.
  • In a large bowl, combine the water, yeast, and sugar and stir to combine. Let sit until the mixture is foamy, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 1 1/2 cups of the flour, the semolina, 1/2 cup of the oil, and the salt, mixing by hand until it is all incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Continue adding the flour, 1/4 cup at a time, working the dough after each addition, until all the flour is incorporated but the dough is still slightly sticky.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth but still slightly tacky, 3 to 5 minutes. Oil a large mixing bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil.
  • Place the dough in the bowl and turn to oil all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set in a warm, draft-free place until nearly doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Divide into 2 equal portions and use as directed.

TRUE CHICAGO-STYLE DEEP-DISH PIZZA



True Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 7h25m

Yield 8 slices

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
18 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3 1/2 cups)
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons corn oil, plus additional for oiling the bowl
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
12 ounces deli sliced part skim mozzarella
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
8 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
One 28-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
Grated Parmesan, for topping and garnish

Steps:

  • Mix sugar, yeast and 11 ounces room temperature water (about 80 degrees) in a bowl and let bloom for 15 minutes. Combine flour, salt and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Once yeast has bloomed, add to dry ingredients along with corn oil. Gently combine with a rubber spatula until a rough ball is formed.
  • Knead on low speed with the dough hook for 90 seconds. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and proof until doubled in size, about 6 hours. Punch down and let dough settle for 15 more minutes.
  • Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F.
  • Coat bottom and sides of a 12-inch cake pan or traditional Chicago style pizza pan with melted butter. Using your hands, spread out about three-quarters of the dough across the bottom and up the sides of the pan (save the remainder for another use). Cover entire bottom in mozzarella, all the way up to the edge. Cover half with a thin, even layer of raw sausage. Cover the other half with the pepperoni. Top with a couple handfuls of crushed tomatoes. Spread out with hands to the edge. Sprinkle top evenly with grated Parm.
  • Bake, rotating halfway through, until golden around the edge, about 25 minutes. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then either gently lift pizza out of pan or just cut your slice out of the pan like a pie!

PERFECT CHICAGO-STYLE DEEP DISH PIZZA



PERFECT Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza image

This is an excellent Chicago Deep Dish pizza recipe. It uses a cold-fermentation method, rather than letting the dough rise at room temperature, so you need to prepare the dough at least 1 day in advance. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days, or it can be frozen after 1 day and kept for months.

Provided by AZFoodie

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time P1DT25m

Yield 8 slices, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 standard packet)

Steps:

  • 24 Hours Prior to Baking: In a mixing bowl, add the water, sugar, yeast, flour, cornmeal, and salt.
  • Mix on low speed for a few minutes until the dough comes together, then slowly add the oil. Continue to mix dough for 7 more minutes.
  • The dough should be somewhat moist and smooth, but not sticky. Form the dough into a ball and place into a bowl twice the size of the ball. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then put a dish towel over it and place in the refrigerator for 24hrs.
  • Remove the bowl from the refrigerator about one hour prior to making the pizza. Set the bottom oven rack to its lowest position and preheat the oven to 450° F for at least 30 minutes prior to baking.
  • After letting the dough rest for one hour, coat the bottom of a well seasoned 15" × 2" deep cast iron skillet with a light layer of canola/vegetable oil (do not use olive oil).
  • Place the dough ball in the center of the pan and press it out until it covers the entire bottom. Then, using you fingers, work the dough up the sides of the pan about 1 1/2 inches.
  • The top of the edges should be pinched up against the side of the pan. If the dough resists holding shape, cover with a towel and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before trying again.
  • Using sliced mozzarella (NOT fresh, only low-moisture), or a blend of sliced mozzarella and provolone, cover the bottom of the dough with cheese.
  • Add your desired toppings (Italian sausage is very popular). If you are going to use pepperonis, it is recommended to chop them into 1/4's before layering them in the pizza.
  • Top with 1 LARGE can of crushed tomatoes, no seasoning added. Use your hands if necessary to spread out the tomatoes. **Note that 6 IN 1 brand tomatoes are very fresh tasting, as are Bianco DiNapoli if you can find then at a store near you**.
  • Finish topping with Italian herbs/seasonings (chopped fresh basil and dried oregano flakes are favorites) and finally with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  • Place the pan in the center of the bottom oven rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once half way through, until the crust is golden brown.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven and allow to cool for about 3 minutes.
  • Remove the pizza from the baking pan and place on a cutting board or serving pan. Slice and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 352.8, Fat 14.5, SaturatedFat 1.1, Sodium 296.4, Carbohydrate 48.6, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 0.7, Protein 6.7

DEEP DISH PIZZA RECIPE BY TASTY



Deep Dish Pizza Recipe by Tasty image

Great news: You don't have to travel to Chicago to eat doughy, cheesy deep dish pizza because now, you can make it right in your kitchen. The most time-consuming part of this recipe is making the dough, but you can prepare it up to a month in advance and freeze it for later. Bake the dough in a deep dish pan covered with homemade tomato sauce, sausage, and cheese until it's golden-brown and bubbling.

Provided by Pierce Abernathy

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

½ lb italian sausage
10 slices mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 ¼ cups water, warm
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
3 ¼ cups flour
¾ cup cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, diced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon sugar
30 oz crushed tomato with basil, 1 can

Steps:

  • For the pizza sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the onion, salt, red pepper flakes, and oregano, and sauté until golden brown.
  • Add the garlic, sugar, and crushed tomatoes, and simmer for roughly 20 minutes or until sauce thickens.
  • For the dough, combine the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water together and let sit for one minute.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and salt.
  • Add the yeast mixture and butter into the dry ingredients and stir until dough forms.
  • Bring dough to floured surface and knead until dough forms into a ball.
  • Move dough to large bowl drizzled with olive oil. Coat dough in oil and cover. Let rest for 1 hour.
  • Remove dough and bring onto floured surface.
  • Cut dough in half and begin working dough out, ensuring that it is at least 2 inches (5 cm) wider than your deep dish pan.
  • Double wrap the remaining dough with plastic wrap and place in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to a month.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (215°C).
  • Bring your dough into your oiled and floured deep dish pan.
  • Using your hands press dough into sides of your dish making it as even as possible.
  • Lay slices of mozzarella across the dough, covering the entire bottom.
  • Add pieces of uncased italian sausage on top of the mozzarella and top with tomato sauce.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crust starts to lightly brown and the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with parmesan, cut and serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624 calories, Carbohydrate 64 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 28 grams, Sugar 8 grams

CHICAGO STYLE DEEP-DISH PIZZA



Chicago Style Deep-Dish Pizza image

An easy to fix deep-dish pizza cooked in a cast-iron skillet. To be sure pizza doesn't stick, I give it a shot of non-stick spray. For pizza sauce, I recommend Steve's Recipe #8497 and I haven't used refrigerated store-bought dough since.

Provided by SharleneW

Categories     Pork

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 lb mild Italian sausage
1 red bell peppers or 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 thinly sliced onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons pepperoni, thinly sliced and cut into strips
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
1/2 cup pizza sauce
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Remove skins from sausage and cook in heavy skillet, crumbling as you cook.
  • Remove sausage to plate covered with paper towel to drain.
  • Remove fat from skillet.
  • Sauté sweet pepper and onion in olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add pepperoni, basil, oregano and black pepper; cook another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Unroll pizza dough and place in well-seasoned 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
  • You may need to stretch slightly so dough comes up about 1 inch on the sides.
  • Spread dough with 2 tablespoons of the pizza sauce.
  • Spread half the vegetable filling evenly over and top with half of the sausage.
  • Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and dot with 3 tablespoons sauce.
  • Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat layering again.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.2, Fat 21.7, SaturatedFat 9.3, Cholesterol 53.1, Sodium 756.8, Carbohydrate 7.5, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 2.7, Protein 17.1

THE REAL CHICAGO DEEP DISH PIZZA DOUGH



The Real Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Dough image

I have it on good authority that this is the real deep dish pizza dough that's used in Chicago. The real thing is nothing like bread, or even pizza, dough. It is a buttery, flaky crust that is achieved by: 1) using corn oil (not butter) and 2) minimal mixing and kneading times. The pizza itself is built with cheese, toppings, and sauce, in that order. I suggest you use 6-in-1® tomatoes which are far superior to other brands. Classico® ground tomatoes are very similar. Contrary to popular opinion, cornmeal is not used in the dough by Chicago pizzerias.

Provided by owensjo

Categories     Bread     Pizza Dough and Crust Recipes

Time 6h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons white sugar
1 ⅛ cups warm water - 110 to 115 degrees F (43 to 45 degrees C)
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup corn oil
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

Steps:

  • Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a bowl. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until the yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam.
  • Combine yeast mixture, flour, corn oil, and kosher salt in a large stand mixer with a hook attachment; knead until dough holds together but is still slightly sticky, about 2 minutes.
  • Form dough into a ball and transfer to a buttered bowl, turning to coat. Cover bowl with a towel and allow dough to rise at room temperature until double in size, 6 hours.
  • Punch down dough and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Press dough into a 10-inch deep dish pizza pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37 g, Fat 14.3 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 361.5 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

Tips:

  • Use a cast iron skillet: It will help you achieve a crispy crust and evenly cooked toppings.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese: Chicago deep-dish pizza is known for its gooey, cheesy center.
  • Layer the ingredients in the correct order: Crust, cheese, toppings, and sauce.
  • Bake the pizza at a high temperature: This will help create a crispy crust and prevent the cheese from becoming too soft.
  • Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing: This will help prevent the cheese from oozing out.

Conclusion:

Chicago deep-dish pizza is a unique and delicious dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings, it's no wonder that this pizza has become a Chicago favorite. So next time you're in the mood for a hearty and satisfying meal, give Chicago deep-dish pizza a try. You won't be disappointed!

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