A calzone is an Italian dish that originates from Naples, although calzone has become quite popular throughout Italy and many other parts of the world. Basically, a calzone is like a stuffed pizza or a turnover, made with an outer crust of pizza dough and an inner filling that typically includes an assortment of cheeses, meats, and vegetables. Soft savory pastries can be found packed in lunch boxes, hand-eaten on a street corner, and served in many Italian restaurants.
The process of making a calzone begins with a pizza dough, which is traditionally made with yeast, water, flour, salt, and olive oil. The yeast is waterproofed in hot water before adding and mixing the other ingredients until the dough is slightly sticky. The cook kneads the dough on a floured board before placing it in a warm place covered with a damp towel to rise. When the dough has doubled, it is punched and left to rise again before being formed into the desired round shape, which can be used for calzone or pizza.
The filling is collected on one half of the round of dough, which is folded and folded to create an airtight seal. The calzone can vary widely in size from a single serving to a monstrous calzone that needs to be split between multiple people. Typically, the calzone is cooked, but smaller calzones are sometimes fried. The calzone is served hot, and cautious diners usually open it to let off steam for a few minutes before trying to eat it. Traditional calzones are served with a side of sauce, but some restaurants cook the sauce inside to make it a standalone package.
Fillings for breeches vary by taste and region. In general, a calzone is a large meal and is meant to be a hearty meal. Most fillings start with a blend of cheeses including Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella, with various parts of Italy adding regional specialties like Romano. Next, chopped cooked meats are added, along with vegetables like onions, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, and others. An entirely vegetarian calzone can be made with a rich blend of vegetables or the addition of tofu. Added spices and herbs typically include oregano, pepper, nutmeg, basil, marjoram, fennel, parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary. If the calzone is cooked with a sauce, it will be mixed with the filling before the filling is collected on the dough.
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Great Homemade Calzone
Description
Calzones at home are super easy. The best part about calzones is everyone can customize their own. Gather a ton of ingredients, lay them out and let your friends and family go at it! Follow these simple instructions to nail it every time:
Divide pre-made pizza dough into equal portions and roll into a circle.
On one half of the dough, spread all of your selected ingredients.
Fold over and tightly crimp the edges.
Cut air vents, brush with oil and sprinkle on parmesan. Bake at 250° C for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 475 °F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with oil.
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Divide the dough into 8 equally sized pieces. Roll each piece into a 1/4" thick circle.
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Place the filling on half of each circle (pizza sauce, ricotta, pepperoni, salami and shredded mozzarella). Make sure to leave the edges clean to allow for sealing the calzone. Fold the side over the filling and crimp the edges.
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Place calzones on a baking sheet, leaving space apart. Cut a small vent on the top of each calzone. Brush the tops with oil and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
