Calzone is a popular Italian dish that is essentially a folded pizza. It is made by filling a round or rectangular pizza dough with various ingredients such as cheese, cured meats, vegetables, and herbs. The dough is then folded over and sealed, creating a pocket of goodness. Baked until golden and crispy, calzone offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. In this article, we will delve into the world of calzone, its ingredients, and provide you with a classic calzone recipe to enjoy.
Ingredients for Calzone:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch. The dough should be elastic and easy to shape.
- Filling: The filling for calzone can vary based on your preferences. Some popular options include mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, cured meats like pepperoni or salami, sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano. You can customize the filling to suit your taste.
- Tomato Sauce: Calzone is typically served with tomato sauce for dipping. You can use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce.
Classic Calzone Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other cured meats
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
- Tomato sauce for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers until they are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Divide the pizza dough into equal-sized portions, depending on how many calzones you want to make. Roll out each portion into a circle or rectangle, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick.
- On one half of each dough portion, leaving a border around the edges, layer the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, sautéed vegetables, pepperoni slices, and fresh basil. Sprinkle with dried oregano.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a semicircle or rectangle shape. Press the edges together to seal the calzone. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative effect.
- Transfer the calzones to a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone. Brush the tops with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the calzones are puffed up and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the calzones cool slightly. Serve hot with tomato sauce for dipping.
Conclusion: Calzone is a delightful variation of pizza that offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures. With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, savory fillings, and a side of tomato sauce, it is a satisfying meal or snack option. By following this classic calzone recipe, you can easily make your own homemade calzones and enjoy the taste of Italy in the comfort of your home. So, gather your ingredients, get creative with the fillings, fold that dough, and indulge in the goodness of a homemade calzone.
