Pizza Quattro Stagioni, or Four Seasons Pizza, is a traditional Italian pizza that showcases four distinct toppings, each representing a season of the year. With artichokes, mushrooms, ham, olives, and cheese, this pizza is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Here’s how to create this classic pizza at home.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the toppings:

• 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4-6 canned artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced cooked ham
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the mixture begins to come together.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. If you're using a pizza stone, place the dough on a piece of parchment paper for easy transfer.

3. Prepare the Toppings: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

4. Divide into Quarters: Divide the pizza into four sections. Top each section with a different topping:

   • Spread sliced artichoke hearts on one section.
   • Arrange sliced mushrooms on another section.
   • Distribute sliced ham on the third section.
   • Scatter black olives over the remaining section.

5. Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone). Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

Slice the Pizza Quattro Stagioni into wedges and serve hot. This pizza is a feast for the senses, with each section offering a unique combination of flavors and textures.

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Quattro Stagioni

• Topping Variations: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Baking Tip: For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
• Garnish: A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can add extra richness to the pizza before serving.

Enjoy the flavors of each season with Pizza Quattro Stagioni, a true Italian masterpiece that brings together the best of all worlds onto a single pizza!

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