Calzone

Delicious Calzone Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Calzone, an Italian delicacy that combines rich filling flavors with soft, fluffy dough, is a perfect choice for a quick dinner or a savory lunch. This simple and quick recipe will guide you step by step in making a perfect calzone that will impress both family and friends.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour (preferably type 00 for a finer dough)
- 7 g dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 300 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the filling (classic version):
- 200 g mozzarella, diced
- 150 g ham or prosciutto, sliced
- 100 g tomato sauce (or pesto sauce for a unique variant)
- A handful of fresh basil or oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste

Making the dough:
1. In a large bowl, mix the dry yeast, honey, and warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential method to activate the yeast, and the result will be a fluffy dough.
2. Add 100 g of flour and mix well. You will get a liquid paste, but don't worry, it's normal. This mixture will enhance the texture of the dough.
3. Once you have the frothy mixture, add the remaining flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little flour.
4. Form a ball from the dough and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

Preparing the filling:
1. While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Cut the mozzarella and ham into small pieces. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add olives or sautéed mushrooms.
2. Mix the ingredients well in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Forming the calzones:
1. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll each portion into a disc about 20 cm in diameter.
2. On one half of each disc, add the filling, leaving a small edge free. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato sauce for extra flavor.
3. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges with your fingers to seal them. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the edges.

Baking the calzones:
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and place a baking tray inside to heat up.
2. Place the calzones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make a few cuts on the surface of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Bake the calzones for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving:
Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before cutting them in half. Serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad or with tomato sauce for dipping. A delicious suggestion is to accompany them with a glass of red wine.

Variant: Experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, or even vegan versions with grilled vegetables and tofu. This calzone recipe is versatile and can be adapted to everyone's tastes.

Enjoy this delicious calzone recipe, perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal!

 Ingredients: 2 teaspoons of dry yeast (or 10 g of fresh yeast) 200 ml of warm water 2 teaspoons of honey 450 g of flour 1 teaspoon of salt 2 tablespoons of olive oil 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds Additionally: one egg + one tablespoon of milk Filling: anything you desire, just make sure it’s not too watery: various sauces (pizza, pestos), meat, vegetables, and plenty of cheese.