Calzone

About Calzone:

Calzone is a delicious Italian pastry pie that is half pizza, half turnover. It’s typically filled with cheese, meats, vegetables, or a combination thereof, and then folded into a semicircle, creating a pocket that can be baked or fried until golden brown. The result is a mouthwatering, portable meal that offers a variety of flavor combinations to suit every taste.

Calzone Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons, 7g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground Italian sausage (or any other meat of your choice, cooked and drained)
• 1 cup (150g) sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup (100g) spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• Olive oil for brushing
• Semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small mixing bowl, combine warm water, olive oil, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine activated yeast mixture, salt, and pizza dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using homemade dough, follow your specific recipe instructions.

3. First Rise: Coat a clean bowl with oil and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free location for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Prepare Filling: In a large skillet, cook your choice of meat (if using) over medium heat until browned and drained. Add bell peppers and spinach and cook until tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. Assemble Calzone:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • Divide the dough into two equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a rectangle approximately 12×8 inches (30×20 cm) thick.
   • Spread mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese evenly over each rectangle, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
   • Add meat and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold one side of the dough over the filling, pressing to seal the edge closed. Then fold the opposite side over top, again pressing to seal and create a semi-circle or crescent shape. Pinch the edges to ensure they are well sealed.

7. Second Rise (Optional): Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with semolina flour or cornmeal for a crispier crust (optional). Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise again for 20-30 minutes.

8. Bake: Bake calzones in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your homemade calzone! You can experiment with various fillings to create your perfect combination.

Image model: RealCartoonXL

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