Calzone Pizza
Calzone Pizza with Cornmeal and Savory Toppings
Who doesn’t love a warm, flavorful pizza? Today, I invite you to discover an innovative recipe that transforms the classic into something truly special: calzone pizza with a soft and savory crust made from a blend of flour and cornmeal. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of originality to your kitchen. Let’s get started!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
The History of Calzone Pizza
Calzone pizza is an Italian variant of traditional pizza, but wrapped up to house a delicious filling. It is believed that this dish emerged as a practical solution for those who wanted to enjoy pizza on the go. Today, calzone pizza has evolved into many variations, and we will add an unusual ingredient—cornmeal—to give it a unique texture.
Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 400 g flour
- 50 g cornmeal
- 200 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
*For the topping:*
- 100 g chicken breast (grilled or cooked)
- 100 g smoked sausage (or your favorite type of deli meat)
- 100 g pressed ham
- 150 g mozzarella
- 50 g smoked cheese
- 200 g mushrooms
- 1 red onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 tomato
- Spices: pepper, oregano, basil
- Olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sweet ketchup
Step by Step
1. Preparing the Dough
Start by warming the milk in a container. It’s important that the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. In a separate bowl, crumble the yeast with the sugar until it becomes liquid. Add the warm milk over the yeast and stir gently. Add salt and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Begin incorporating the flour and cornmeal, mixing with a wooden spatula. When the dough starts to form, transfer it to a lightly oiled work surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky.
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 15 minutes in a warm place.
2. Preparing the Topping
In the meantime, let’s prepare the filling. Chop the onion into thin slices and sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the drained and sliced mushrooms, stirring occasionally. Cover the pan with a lid to help the mushrooms soften.
Peel and finely chop the garlic, then add it to the pan. Once the onion and mushrooms are cooked, add the chopped tomato, ketchup, pepper, oregano, and a little salt. Mix everything well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, slice the chicken breast, sausage, and ham into thin strips. Add them to the pan, stirring to combine the flavors. Once everything is well mixed, remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool. Finally, add the chopped parsley.
3. Shaping and Baking the Calzone
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two or even four parts, depending on your desired size. Roll each piece out on the work surface to form round discs.
On half of each disc, place the filling from the pan. Grate mozzarella and smoked cheese over the filling. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and seal the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
Place the calzones on a baking tray greased with oil or lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
Five minutes before they are done baking, remove the tray from the oven and brush each calzone with beaten egg for a shiny crust. Sprinkle a little cheese on top for added flavor.
4. Serving Suggestions
Once the calzone pizza is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the calzone warm, alongside a fresh salad or a tomato sauce for an extra burst of flavor. A glass of white wine or a craft beer would perfectly complement this dish.
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with seasonal vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Experiment with different types of cheese: feta or ricotta can add an interesting flavor.
- Try adding extra spices like chili or paprika for a kick of heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you’ll need to adjust the amount. Typically, 10 g of dry yeast is sufficient for 25 g of fresh yeast.
2. How long can I keep the calzones?
Calzones can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
3. What other toppings can I use?
You can use any type of cooked meat, vegetables, or even seafood. The sky's the limit!
Nutritional Benefits
Calzone pizza is a protein-rich option due to the meat and cheese, providing carbohydrates from the flour and cornmeal, along with fiber from the vegetables. It makes for a balanced meal, ideal for lunch or dinner.
In conclusion, this cornmeal calzone pizza recipe offers a unique and delicious culinary experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and tailor it to your tastes. Enjoy every bite and the time spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients: For the dough: 400 g flour, 50 g cornmeal, 200 ml milk, 2 tablespoons oil, salt, 25 g yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar. For the topping: 100 g chicken breast, 100 g ham, 100 g pressed ham, 150 g mozzarella, 50 g smoked cheese, 200 g mushrooms, 1 red onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tomato, spices: pepper, oregano, basil, oil, fresh parsley, salt, 1 tablespoon sweet ketchup.
