Pizza Calzone
Calzone Pizza: The Upside-Down Italian Delight
Who doesn’t love pizza? But what about a calzone pizza, which brings you all the taste and aroma of pizza, but in a wrapped form, perfect for enjoying on any occasion? This simple and delicious recipe will take you through a culinary experience full of flavor and joy. Whether you prepare it for a casual dinner with friends or for a family night, calzone pizza will surely be a hit.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 30-40 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients for the dough:
- 10-12 tablespoons of flour (approximately 250-300 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 250-300 ml warm water (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
Ingredients for the sauce:
- 100 ml ketchup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon)
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
Filling:
- 100 g summer salami (or other preferred type)
- 100 g ham
- 1 piece of spicy sausage (or other type of sausage)
- 4-5 medium mushrooms
- 1 bell pepper (or other type of sweet pepper)
- 150 g cheese (ideally semi-hard, to melt nicely)
Step by step: Preparing Calzone Pizza
Step 1: Preparing the dough
We start by preparing the dough, which is the perfect foundation for our calzones. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. It is important to keep the salt separate from the yeast, as salt can inhibit yeast fermentation.
In another container, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Make sure the water is not too hot, otherwise, the yeast will not activate. Once the yeast has completely dissolved, add it to the flour mixture. Start mixing and gradually add water until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
Add the two tablespoons of olive oil and knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and airy dough. Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Preparing the sauce
Meanwhile, let’s take care of the sauce. In a saucepan, add the ketchup and season it with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally. It will become more concentrated and flavorful. Remember, the sauce is an essential part of the calzone, so make sure it is well-seasoned!
Step 3: Chopping the filling ingredients
While the sauce reduces, you can prepare the filling. Slice the salami, ham, and sausage into thin slices. Clean the mushrooms and slice them, and chop the bell pepper into small cubes. Grate the cheese and prepare it for the filling. A combination of fresh and hearty ingredients will make your calzones truly special!
Step 4: Assembling the calzone
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. Take one portion of dough and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a circle about 20-25 cm in diameter.
Spread half of the circle with the prepared sauce, then add the slices of salami, ham, and sausage, followed by the mushrooms and bell pepper. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top. It is important not to overfill the calzone, so it doesn’t break during baking.
Fold the dough in half, covering the filling, and press the edges well with your fingers or a fork to seal the calzone. This will help keep the filling inside during baking.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C (medium heat). Place the calzones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them. You can lightly brush them with a little olive oil to achieve a golden and crispy crust.
Bake the calzones for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. The aromas from the oven will make you feel like you’re in an authentic pizzeria!
Step 6: Serving
Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before cutting them. You can serve them with a side of fresh tomato sauce or aioli for an extra flavor boost. Also, a simple green salad can perfectly complement this dish.
Useful tips and variations
- You can experiment with different types of fillings: feta cheese, spinach, vegetables, or minced meat. Be creative!
- If you like a spicier taste, add a few slices of chili pepper to the filling.
- For a more intense flavor, you can lightly sauté the ingredients before adding them to the calzone. This step will deepen the flavors.
- Calzones can be frozen after baking, so if you have many portions, don’t hesitate to save them for a quick meal on busy days.
Nutritional benefits
Calzones are an excellent choice for a balanced meal, offering a combination of carbohydrates from the dough, proteins from the meat and cheese, and fiber from the vegetables. Depending on the ingredients used, you can adapt the recipe to fit your nutritional needs.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the instructions on the package to get the correct amount.
- How do I know when the calzones are done?
Calzones are done when they have a golden color and a crispy crust. You can also check by tapping them lightly; a hollow sound indicates they are baked.
- Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it.
Calzone pizza is a versatile and delicious recipe, perfect for any occasion. With this simple recipe and clearly explained steps, you can’t go wrong. I wish you happy cooking and much joy in every bite!
Ingredients: DOUGH 10-12 tablespoons of flour A pinch of salt 250-300 ml of lukewarm water 20 g of fresh yeast 2 tablespoons of oil SAUCE 100 ml of ketchup Salt Pepper Basil Oregano WE ALSO NEED: 100 g of summer salami, sliced Spicy sausage, 100 g 4-5 mushrooms 1 bell pepper 150 g of cheese
