Mini-Calzone

Mini-Calzone: Stuffed Delights in Crescent Shape

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Mini-Calzones are a perfect choice for a quick snack, a savory lunch, or a flavorful dinner. These little stuffed goodies are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various fillings based on your preferences. In this recipe, I will show you step by step how to prepare the perfect dough and create fillings that will delight your taste buds.

A bit of history
Calzones have a rich history, originating from Mediterranean culinary traditions. They are often associated with Italian cuisine, being a closed variant of pizza, which gives them a unique appearance and concentrated flavor. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, mini-calzones are an excellent choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg wheat flour
- 500 ml lukewarm water
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (about 25g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar

For the filling:
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 red onion, julienned
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 200 g Prague ham, diced
- 200 g canned mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Green or black olives, halved, pitted
- 200 g soft, fatty cheese (mozzarella, telemea, or cheese), diced
- 2 handfuls of arugula
- Salt, pepper, spices (fresh basil is ideal)
- Olive oil for sautéing

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Prepare the work surface: Sprinkle flour on a clean surface or in a large bowl. Add a teaspoon of salt.
2. Activating the yeast: In the center of the flour, create a well and add the yeast cube, sugar, and half of the lukewarm water. Gently mix, bringing a little flour from the edges into the center until a thick paste forms.
3. Incorporating the flour: Add the remaining water and continue mixing, gradually incorporating all the flour. You will obtain a soft dough.
4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with plastic wrap and a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Sauté the ingredients: In a heated pan, add a bit of olive oil and sauté the eggplant, onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes until softened, but remember to save the cheese and arugula for the end.
2. Season: Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil, mixing well. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Forming the mini-calzones
1. Returning to the dough: After the dough has risen and doubled in volume, knead it again for 10-15 minutes to remove air.
2. Forming the discs: Dust the work surface with flour and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Each piece will become a disc about 0.5 cm thick.
3. Filling the discs: In the center of each disc, add a portion of the prepared filling, along with a few cheese cubes and a bit of arugula.
4. Folding the calzone: Fold the dough disc in half, moistening the edges with a bit of water to seal them well. Ensure the filling is well sealed inside.

Step 4: Rising and baking
1. Placing in the tray: Place the mini-calzones in a greased and floured tray. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Preparing for the oven: After they have risen, poke them with a fork or make a few cuts with a knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the mini-calzones for about 40-60 minutes, until golden. Avoid opening the oven too often; check only once when you turn the tray.

Serving
Mini-Calzones can be enjoyed warm or cold, making them perfect as appetizers or snacks. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or a tomato sauce for added flavor. If you want to add a twist, try serving them with a garlic yogurt sauce, which perfectly complements the flavors.

Variations and suggestions
- Vegetarian filling: If you want to prepare them for Lent, you can omit the meat and cheese, using only fresh vegetables, olives, and spices.
- Mini-Calzones for kids: You can adapt the filling using cottage cheese, colorful vegetables, and olives to make the calzones more appealing for little ones.
- Beverage pairings: These delights pair very well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Nutritional information
Each mini-calzone has approximately 250 calories, depending on the chosen filling. They provide a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I freeze mini-calzones? Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container and bake them directly from the freezer.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Absolutely! You can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients and a heartier taste.

In conclusion, mini-calzones are not only delicious and versatile but also an excellent way to bring family and friends together around the table. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply as a snack during the day, these stuffed delights will not disappoint. Enjoy!