Savor the Seasons with Pizza Quattro Stagioni

 Savor the Seasons with Pizza Quattro Stagioni

Pizza Quattro Stagioni, or "Four Seasons Pizza," is a delightful representation of Italy's diverse and vibrant culinary landscape. 

Each quadrant of this pizza is adorned with different ingredients, symbolizing the four seasons of the year. This unique approach allows you to experience a variety of flavors in a single, delicious dish. 

Traditionally, Pizza Quattro Stagioni features artichokes for spring, tomatoes or basil for summer, mushrooms for autumn, and ham or olives for winter. 

This combination not only highlights the seasonal ingredients but also offers a balanced and rich taste experience. Whether you’re a fan of meaty, vegetarian, or a mix of both, 

Pizza Quattro Stagioni provides a flavorful journey through the year on a single pizza crust.

Pizza Quattro Stagioni Recipe

Ingredients:

• 500g Typo "00" flour
• 325ml water
• 10g sea salt
• 3g fresh yeast
• 400g San Marzano tomatoes (canned)
• 250g fresh mozzarella cheese
• 100g artichoke hearts (canned or fresh)
• 100g mushrooms (sliced)
• 100g ham (sliced)
• 50g black olives (pitted)
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Dissolve the yeast in water and let it sit for a few minutes.
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
   • Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour, mixing until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand or blend them lightly, keeping some texture.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Toppings:

   • Slice the artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and ham.
   • Preheat your oven to its highest setting (ideally 475-500°F) with a pizza stone inside.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

   • Divide the dough into 2 or 4 equal portions, depending on the size of pizzas desired.
   • On a floured surface, stretch each dough ball into a thin round shape.
   • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Tear the mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce.

5. Add the Seasonal Toppings:

   • Divide the pizza into four sections.
   • Place artichoke hearts in one section (spring), tomatoes or basil in another (summer), mushrooms in the third (autumn), and ham or olives in the fourth (winter).
   • Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.

6. Bake the Pizza:

   • Transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone and bake for 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
   • Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the diverse flavors of Pizza Quattro Stagioni.