The sun’s out and we’re getting excited about our al fresco lunch plans. Dusting off the folding chairs and wiping down the picnic table, we can only hope that the weather will comply. With no control over the sun and clouds, there’s one thing we know for sure – the food is going to be good! So, what’s new this year? What’s the must-have garden accessory for summer ’24?
It’s the pizza oven! Some are even calling it the new bbq, and with the rise and rise of the humble pizza’s reputation in the culinary word, we’re truly embracing this Italian-inspired development.
And of course, the Quattro chefs love the challenge of a home-made pizza and are happy to share their secrets. Here’s how we do a pizza party at Quattro HQ!
Make your own dough
Ingredients
- Yeast – instant yeast produces the best results
- Flour – all-purpose white is perfect
- Water – about 1.5 cups
- Oil – 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil adds wonderful flavour to the dough
- Salt
- Sugar – 1 tbsp sugar increases the yeast’s activity and tenderises the dough
Mix together, knead, roll out, cover in toppings, slide into a hot pizza oven, and make a pizza fit for royalty.
Come to Quattro for sauces
Before you get that dough into the hot oven, you need to consider what goes on top. Looking for a ready-to-use sauce to top it all off? Come to Quattro Foods for delicious pizza toppings and more. We also do curry sauces and pastes, sweet and sour sauces, rice and pasta sauces, Asian sauces, marinades, dressings and salsas.
Toppings galore
Pizza is the dream, but everyone has a different dream. Cheese lovers, veg fans and sauce afficionados each have a different favourite pizza topping. Here are our top choices.
Cheesy delight – go traditional with mozzarella, bring more depth with parmesan or push the cheese limits and go with a flavoursome (and smelly) blue cheese.
Protein on a pizza? It packs a punch – try shredded chicken, spicy sausage or even a fried egg.
Vibrant veggies and herbs – make it healthy and load up on peppers, olives, mushrooms and aubergine for a veggie pizza feast. Ever topped a pizza with herbs? Trust us, you’ll never look back.
Sauces – this where it gets tasty – a drizzle of barbecue, chilli oil or peri peri goes a long way.
Pizza outside the box
It can be classic, but it can also be weird and wonderful. There’s nothing to stop you from making your pizza into whatever your dinner dreams are made of.
Here’s our top 5 of crazy pizza ideas:
Spinach and gorgonzola pizza
Try making your own pizza base then crumble some gorgonzola on top, add mushrooms, baby spinach and red onions before you stick it in the pizza oven.
Chicken tikka masala pizza
This one’s a winner. Chicken on a pizza is a controversial concept, but make the base as usual, spread plain tomato sauce on top, then shred your ready-cooked chicken tikka with some masala sauce on top, and stick it in the pizza oven for 15 minutes.
Roasted artichokes
Simply delicious. A garlicky tomato sauce topped with fresh (or tinned) baby artichokes will bubble and bake in the pizza oven, creating a mouth-water meal.
Butternut squash pizza
Peel, chop and roast some butternut squash with olive oil, salt and pepper in an oven dish for 45 mins, then add to your pizza with a sprinkle of mozzarella and thinly sliced red onion.
What else can you make in a pizza oven?
It’s not just the centrepiece of a pizza party. Pizza ovens can be used to make incredible treats, from baked camembert to fresh pittas, salmon fillets and even a whole roast chicken and veggies.
For pizzas and more, embrace the art of the pizza oven this year, for a summer of food, fun and flavours.