Calzone Pizza

Delicious Calzone Pizza Recipe with Savory Filling

Pizza, this dish loved by millions of people around the world, has deep roots in culinary history and has evolved into numerous variations, each with its own specifics. Today, I will guide you step by step through a special Calzone Pizza recipe, a delicious variant filled with fresh and savory ingredients that will delight the taste buds of family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 2 large calzone pizzas or 4 smaller ones

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 900 g flour (preferably type 00 for a finer texture)
- 7-8 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 400 ml warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling and sauce:
- 1 large onion
- 1 small eggplant, diced
- 400 g fresh mushrooms, finely chopped
- 150 g ham or roasted chicken (or a mix, to taste)
- 4-5 peeled tomatoes
- Salt, basil, oregano, a bay leaf
- Olive oil for cooking
- 200 g grated cheese
- Pitted olives, chopped
- 1 egg (optional, for each pizza)
- Grated parmesan for serving

Step 1: Preparing the dough

We start by preparing the dough, an essential step for achieving a perfect crust. Sift the flour into a large bowl, adding the salt. Create a well in the center of the flour and add the olive oil.

In a separate container, dissolve the yeast in 400 ml of warm water, adding the honey to activate the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Pour the yeast-water mixture over the flour and begin kneading for about 5 minutes until you obtain an elastic dough. If necessary, add a little extra flour. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for an hour in a warm place.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

Meanwhile, we take care of the filling. In a large skillet, melt a little butter along with a few tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and let it sauté until it becomes translucent.

Incorporate the chopped mushrooms and diced eggplant and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the finely chopped ham or chicken, season with salt and pepper, and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to combine.

Step 3: Preparing the tomato sauce

For the sauce, peel the tomatoes (you can blanch them a bit to remove the skin more easily) and chop them finely. Place them in a pot with a little olive oil, cover with a lid, and let them reach a boiling point. Once they start boiling, add salt, oregano, basil, pepper, and the bay leaf, letting the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens.

Step 4: Assembling the pizza

After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts (or four if you want smaller pizzas). On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a round shape. Spread each base with tomato sauce, leaving a free edge.

Add the prepared filling, sprinkle with grated cheese and chopped olives. If desired, make a well in the center of the filling and crack an egg into it. This will add a touch of creaminess and flavor.

Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold the pizza in half, sealing the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Place the pizzas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Baking the pizza

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once the pizzas have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the dough becomes golden and crispy. Finally, sprinkle grated parmesan on top of the hot pizza for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving the calzone pizza

Calzone pizza is served warm, alongside the remaining tomato sauce, which you can place on the plate to be added to taste. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, and the combination of ingredients will turn every bite into an explosion of flavors.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with the filling by adding ingredients such as bell peppers, green olives, or even various cheeses to adapt the recipe to your taste.
- If you want a healthier option, try replacing part of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- For a more intense taste and aroma, let the tomato sauce simmer longer to concentrate the flavors.

Nutritional information:
A serving of calzone pizza (1/4 of a large pizza) has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the size. It is a balanced meal, providing carbohydrates from the dough, protein from the meat and cheese, as well as vitamins from the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but the recipe will require adjustments in the liquid quantities.

2. How can I store calzone pizza?
Calzone pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze calzone pizza?
Yes, you can freeze calzone pizza before baking. Wrap them well in aluminum foil and place them in the freezer. When you want to consume them, let them thaw and bake according to the instructions.

4. What drinks pair well with calzone pizza?
A dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with calzone pizza. Additionally, an aperitif like a spritz or fresh lemonade can provide a pleasant contrast.

This calzone pizza recipe is not just a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to explore creativity in the kitchen. Experiment with different fillings and techniques to create a unique pizza that will surely become a family favorite!

 Ingredients: 900 g flour, 7-8 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil), 400 ml water, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon salt. For the filling + sauce: 1 onion, 1 small eggplant, 400 g mushrooms, ham/chicken (whatever you prefer), 4-5 peeled tomatoes, salt, basil, oregano, 1 bay leaf, cheese, olives, 1 egg for each pizza you make (optional), parmesan.