Quattro Forni Pizza

Step into the world of culinary adventure with our Quattro Forni pizza—an Italian delight that takes the classic Sicilian pizza to a whole new level of crunchy goodness. The name translates to “four ovens” in Italian, and this unique pizza lives up to its name by undergoing not three but four distinctive cooking steps, resulting in a flavor profile that will astound your taste buds. Inspired by the quest for culinary excellence, this recipe was born from a competitive edge and now graces the tables of our Capo’s kitchen with a cult following. Although ideally prepared using gas, electric, wood-fired, and a stovetop pot for deep-frying, we offer a home kitchen adaptation to bring the Quattro Forni experience to your doorstep. Whether you opt for the full four-oven effect or the “Tre Forni” variation, you’ll savor every bite of this mile-high, sensationally crispy-soft pizza that boasts a mysteriously awesome doughnutty flavor. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable pizza journey that will leave you craving for more.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (14-ounce/400-gram) ball Sicilian Dough Without Starter
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) olive oil
• Canola oil, for deep-frying
• 4 ounces (115 grams) whole-milk mozzarella cheese, sliced (4 slices)
• Generous ½ cup (140 grams) Sicilian Tomato Sauce
• ½ teaspoon (1½ grams) finely chopped garlic
• Grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for dusting
• Dried oregano, for dusting
• Garlic Oil, for drizzling
• 4 thin slices (2 ounces/55 grams) prosciutto (optional)

PREPARATIONS:

1. Prepare your fire in the wood oven (see Building a Fire).
2. Remove the dough ball from the refrigerator and let it warm to 60°F to 65°F at room temperature.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat two ovens: one gas or electric and one wood-fired.
2. Pour olive oil in the center of an 8-inch square steel pan.
3. Transfer the dough into the prepared pan, coating both sides with oil.
4. Press the dough outward in all directions to make an even layer.
5. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes and then push it outward a second time.
6. Let the dough rest again for about 1 hour, until it has risen almost to the rim of the pan.

TIPS:

• For the full Quattro Forni experience, use gas, electric, wood-fired, and a stovetop pot for deep-frying. If lacking a wood-fired oven, skip the final charring step and enjoy the “Tre Forni” variation.
• Have two ovens ready—one at 500°F for baking and another for the wood-fired step.
• Deep-fry the pizza in canola oil at 350°F for a deliciously crispy texture.
• Experiment with toppings like arugula, soppressata piccante, Calabrese peppers, shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Hot Pepper Oil.

YIELD:

• One 8-inch square pizza; 4 squares

Congratulations on unlocking the secrets of Quattro Forni—a gastronomic masterpiece that will elevate your pizza experience to unparalleled heights. Inspired by a competitive culinary quest, this pizza takes the beloved Sicilian style and adds a captivating twist with four distinctive cooking steps. Whether you embrace the full Quattro Forni journey or embark on the “Tre Forni” variation, each bite will leave you enchanted by its crunchy, doughnutty goodness.

To create the perfect Quattro Forni pizza in your home kitchen, ensure two ovens are preheated—one at 500°F for baking and another for the wood-fired step. The final deep-frying process adds an unparalleled level of crispiness that will tantalize your senses. As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the delicate balance of flavors and the exceptional texture that only fried dough can offer.

While prosciutto provides a simple yet delicious finish to this pizza, don’t hesitate to experiment with other toppings. Elevate your Quattro Forni experience with arugula, soppressata piccante, Calabrese peppers, or a generous shaving of Parmigiano-Reggiano. Personalize your creation and let your culinary creativity shine.

As you prepare your Quattro Forni pizza, channel the passion and excitement of the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in the combination of technique and artistry, allowing you to craft a dish that’s truly your own. Whether you share it with friends, family, or savor it as an indulgent treat for yourself, this pizza will undoubtedly be a showstopper.

Allow yourself to fully embrace the spirit of culinary exploration. Let the aroma of roasting tomatoes and the sizzling of the deep-frying process transport you to the heart of Italy, where passion for food is celebrated with every bite.

Remember, the Quattro Forni experience is not just about the end result but the joy of the cooking process itself. Embrace the journey, and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable pizza creation that you’ll be eager to share with loved ones.

So, gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary prowess, and embark on the Quattro Forni adventure. Enjoy each bite as you savor the love, dedication, and passion that have gone into creating this exceptional pizza.