Homemade Four Seasons Pizza
Homemade Quattro Stagioni Pizza
If you're looking for a pizza recipe that combines the flavor of fresh ingredients with a simple technique, then Quattro Stagioni Pizza is the perfect choice. This delicious pizza, which translates to "four seasons," is known for its varied combination of toppings, each representing a season. Let's see together how you can prepare it at home, step by step, to enjoy a tasty and colorful meal!
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients for the dough:
- 150 g flour
- a pinch of salt
- 10 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml lukewarm milk
Ingredients for topping:
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 slices salami
- 3 slices tenderloin
- 3 slices pork pastrami
- 150 g sliced mushrooms (canned)
- ½ bell pepper
- 150 g mozzarella
- a few sliced olives
- oregano
Preparing the dough
1. Start by warming the milk slightly until it is lukewarm, being careful not to make it hot, as this will kill the yeast.
2. Dissolve the fresh yeast in two tablespoons of lukewarm milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it activates and becomes frothy.
3. In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with a pinch of salt. It's important to sift the flour, as this allows air to circulate better, contributing to a fluffy dough.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the dissolved yeast in milk. Cover with a little flour and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the yeast to start the fermentation process.
5. Once the yeast has risen, gradually add the remaining flour, the rest of the milk, and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a homogeneous dough forms.
6. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and forms air bubbles. This process will ensure a fluffy and airy texture for the crust.
7. Dust a little flour on the work surface and let the dough rise for 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel. Make sure the dough is in a warm place to double in volume.
Preparing the toppings
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the toppings for the pizza. This part of the recipe is very fun, as you can explore various combinations of ingredients.
1. Cut the cold cuts (salami, tenderloin, and pastrami) into thin strips (julienne). These will add a delicious flavor to the pizza.
2. Also, chop the bell pepper into small cubes. This will provide a crunchy and fresh note.
3. In a frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and, once heated, add the cold cuts to lightly brown them. This process will intensify their flavor. Let them cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper to the pan and mix well. When the bell pepper starts to change color, add a tablespoon of tomato paste and mix well. Let it simmer for another minute, then set aside to cool.
Assembling the pizza
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (bottom grill). This will ensure even baking and a crispy crust.
2. Grease a round baking tray with olive oil to prevent the dough from sticking.
3. After the dough has risen, knead it again vigorously to release the air. Then, on a floured surface, roll the dough out into a thin sheet, the size of your tray.
4. Place the dough in the tray and spread it with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and half a teaspoon of oregano. This sauce will add a wonderful aromatic flavor.
5. Sprinkle a small amount of mozzarella over the pizza base. This will help keep the toppings in place.
6. Add the mixture of cold cuts and bell pepper, the sliced mushrooms, and the olives. Top with a little more mozzarella to achieve a golden crust on top.
7. Put the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 15 minutes, if you want extra cheese, you can add a little more mozzarella on top.
Serving and variations
Quattro Stagioni Pizza is served hot, cut into slices, alongside a fresh green salad or a tomato salad with basil, which will add freshness. If you want to bring an extra touch of flavor, you can add a few arugula leaves on top just before serving.
This recipe is extremely versatile. You can replace the cold cuts with grilled vegetables or various cheeses, such as feta or gorgonzola, for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with sauces – a pesto sauce or a yogurt sauce with mint can add an extra dimension to your pizza.
Calories and nutritional benefits
A slice of Quattro Stagioni Pizza has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and toppings used. It provides a good source of carbohydrates from the flour and vegetables, as well as protein from the cold cuts and cheese. By using fresh ingredients, your pizza will also be a healthier option compared to store-bought ones.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but you will need to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
2. How can I store pizza for the next day?
Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
3. What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Other cheeses that melt well, such as provolone, gouda, or cheddar, can be used for a different flavor.
I hope this Quattro Stagioni Pizza recipe brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones and becomes one of your favorites! Don't forget to enjoy the cooking process and experiment with different ingredient combinations. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the base: 150 g flour, a pinch of salt, 10 g yeast, 100 ml warm milk. For topping: 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 slices of salami, 3 slices of fillet steak, 3 slices of pork pastrami, 150 g canned sliced mushrooms, half a bell pepper, 150 g mozzarella, a few sliced olives, oregano.
