Four Seasons Pizza
The Four Seasons Pizza (Pizza Quattro Stagioni) is a delicious Italian dish that represents the four seasons through its toppings: artichokes for spring, olives for summer, mushrooms for autumn, and prosciutto for winter. The combination of fresh ingredients on a crisp pizza dough creates a balanced, flavorful experience. This versatile pizza is often enjoyed as a hearty main dish and can be easily customized to suit different tastes. It is typically baked at high temperatures to achieve a golden, crispy crust while preserving the freshness of the toppings.Perfect for casual meals or special gatherings, the Four Seasons Pizza captures the essence of Italian cuisine with its seasonal approach to flavors. It is best paired with a light salad or a glass of wine for a complete dining experience.
Servings: 2
Calories: 410kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 recipe pizza dough
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 0.75 cup Pizzaioli tomato sauce, about 1/2 cup
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- 0.5 cup mozzarella, chopped
- 2 ounces thinly sliced Prosciutto, cut into small pieces
- 1 medium plum tomato, thinly sliced
- 5 large basil leaves, shredded
- 12 artichoke heart quarters, marinated in oil and drained
- 3 medium button mushrooms, sliced
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F. Place the pizza dough circle on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal and spoon tomato sauce onto the dough, spreading it up to the rim. Sprinkle Parmesan on top.
- Visually divide the pizza into quarters. Scatter mozzarella over two opposite quarters. Spread the Prosciutto over one of these, and arrange the tomato over the other. Lightly salt the tomato and sprinkle basil over both sections.
- Arrange the artichokes over the third quarter, and the mushrooms over the final quarter. Sprinkle oregano over both these sections.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pizza. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Did you know? Italy is the world's largest producer of artichokes, with 98% of the crop being grown for export. This beautiful vegetable, which varies in color from green to vibrant purple, is actually a thistle.
- World record: On March 22, 2001, Bernard Jordaan of Butler's Pizza, Cape Town, South Africa, delivered a pizza 11,042 km (6,861 mi) from Cape Town to Sydney, Australia, to set the world record for the longest pizza delivery. This record was acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Records.
- Chef Eric Cooking tips: For best results, cook the pizza on a pizza stone. Place the pizza stone in the cold oven, and then turn it on. Do not place the stone in a pre-heated oven or the stone will break.
Cooking Tips for Making Four Seasons Pizza:
- Use Homemade Pizza Dough: For the best results, use a pizza dough recipe that’s fresh and well-rested. This enhances the texture and flavor of your pizza crust. Refer to my pizza dough recipe for the perfect foundation.
- Bake on a Pizza Stone: Place your pizza on a pre-heated pizza stone in the oven to ensure a crispy crust. This method replicates a pizzeria-style bake, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Divide the Pizza for Visual Appeal: When assembling the toppings, divide the pizza into quarters to represent the four seasons—artichokes for spring, olives for summer, mushrooms for autumn, and prosciutto for winter.
- Use Fresh Toppings: Fresh basil, mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes will give the pizza the best flavor. Avoid canned ingredients if possible, especially for tomatoes, for a fresher taste.
- Control the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the pizza while it’s baking. Depending on your oven, it may need a few more or fewer minutes, so check for a golden-brown crust and melted cheese.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with seasonal ingredients like spinach, bell peppers, or even a drizzle of truffle oil to enhance the flavor.
- Avoid Overloading with Toppings: The key to a great pizza is balance. Too many toppings can result in a soggy crust. Stick to a few quality ingredients for the best results.
- Rest the Pizza After Baking: Let the pizza sit for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the cheese and toppings to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
By following these tips, your Four Seasons Pizza will be crisp, flavorful, and visually stunning! Enjoy experimenting with the seasonal ingredients, and make sure to pair it with a simple salad or a glass of wine for the perfect meal.
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