Calzone pizza

Calzone Pizza – A Flavorful Delight with History

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 calzones

Calzone pizza is an Italian specialty, a true embrace of flavors that has won the hearts of pizza lovers worldwide. This recipe not only combines delicious tastes but also offers an ingenious way to use leftover ingredients from the fridge. Whether you're making it for a family meal or a party, calzones are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500g flour
- 10g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200g salami or ham (or other preferred cold cuts)
- 2 eggs
- 200g olives (preferably pitted)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For brushing:
- 1 egg (beaten)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the filling
Start by preparing the calzone filling. In a large bowl, add diced cold cuts, sliced olives, finely chopped onion, beaten eggs, oregano, and pepper. Mix everything well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This mixture can be customized according to your preferences – you can add cheese, vegetables, or even herbs for extra flavor. A delicious option would be to add ricotta or mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture.

2. Preparing the dough
Now let's move on to the dough. Start by dissolving the yeast in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Then add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and mix well. This mixture will become a homogeneous paste, similar to sour cream. Cover the mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. After this period, the yeast should have risen and become frothy, indicating that it is active.

3. Kneading the dough
In a large bowl, make a well in the flour and add the yeast mixture, olive oil, egg yolk, and salt. Mix the ingredients with a fork, then transfer the dough to a work surface and knead for 10-15 minutes until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Proofing the dough
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

5. Shaping the calzone
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4-6 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Roll each ball out on a floured surface, forming thin discs about 20 cm in diameter. Brush a thin layer of oil on each disc.

6. Filling and sealing
On each disc, add the prepared filling, making sure to leave a margin of about 2.5 cm. Fold it in half, covering the filling, and press the edges with your fingers to seal them. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the edge and ensure it doesn't open during baking.

7. Preparing for baking
Preheat the oven to 220°C (or 200°C with fan). Place the calzones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with the beaten egg and sprinkle a little grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, crispy crust.

8. Baking
Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy. The delicious smell that will spread throughout the house will be a true indication that they are ready!

Serving
Let the calzones cool for a few minutes, then serve them warm, with a side of tomato sauce or yogurt sauce. They are perfect as an appetizer or main course and pair wonderfully with a fresh salad.

Tips and Tricks
- Variations: Try different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, or grilled vegetable portions for a vegetarian option.
- Calories: One serving of calzone contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the filling. It is a hearty meal but can be adapted to reduce calories by using lighter ingredients.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the calzones? Yes, you can freeze the calzones before baking them. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in freezer bags.
- How long can they be stored in the fridge? Calzones can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and to reheat them, use the oven to keep them crispy.

Calzone pizza is a recipe that combines tradition with creativity. Whether you choose to prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, every bite will be an explosion of flavors and a story to share. So, let's get cooking and enjoy this warm and tasty delight! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Dough ingredients: 500g flour, 10g yeast, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 egg yolk, 1 pinch of salt. Filling ingredients: salami, ham (whatever we have in the fridge), 2 eggs, oregano, pepper, 200g olives, 1 medium onion. For brushing: 1 egg.