Calzone Pizza

Calzone Pizza – An Italian Delicacy in the Shape of a Crescent

Who doesn’t love pizza? This iconic dish has won the hearts of many, but today I invite you to discover a treat that will delight all pizza lovers: Calzone Pizza! This delicious dish, shaped like a crescent, is full of flavor and stuffed with savory ingredients. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a party with friends, Calzone will surely be the star of the meal.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients needed for Calzone Pizza Dough:
- 500 g white flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 40 ml olive oil
- 300 ml warm water

Ingredients for Pizza Sauce:
- 5-6 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 750 g crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper

Ingredients for Filling:
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Thyme, basil, oregano (to taste)
- 100 g cooked ham
- 200 g mushrooms
- 1 red bell pepper
- 200 g mozzarella

Preparing the Dough:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the dry yeast and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well.
2. Gradually add the olive oil and warm water, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you get a soft dough.
3. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, add a little flour.
4. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Pizza Sauce:
1. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until golden.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, and Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

Preparing the Filling:
1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced ham and sauté for 2 minutes until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, continuing to sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced bell pepper, sautéing everything for 5 minutes. Season with thyme, basil, oregano, and salt to taste.
4. Pour the previously prepared pizza sauce over the mixture in the pan and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and let it cool.

Assembling the Calzone Pizza:
1. After the dough has risen, divide it into two or four, depending on the desired size of the calzone.
2. Roll out each piece of dough on a floured surface, forming a round sheet.
3. Place the dough sheet on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. On one half of the sheet, add 1-2 tablespoons of the sauce from the pan and sprinkle grated mozzarella.
4. In the center, add a beaten egg for a creamy texture. Brush the edges of the dough with water using a brush to help seal it.
5. Fold the sheet, overlapping the two halves of dough, and gently press the edges to seal. Brush the entire surface of the calzone with water to give it a golden crust.
6. Let the calzone rise for another 10 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Serving:
After baking, remove the Calzone Pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it with grated parmesan on top and, if desired, with a fresh salad on the side. This Calzone Pizza recipe is perfect to enjoy with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Nutritional Benefits:
Calzone Pizza is a great source of protein, thanks to the mozzarella cheese and ham. Additionally, the added vegetables contribute to your intake of vitamins and minerals. Whole wheat flour can be used for a higher fiber content.

Tips and Variations:
- You can add other favorite ingredients to the filling, such as olives, spinach, or even pineapple for a sweet touch.
- Try using whole wheat flour for a healthier and heartier dough.
- If you want a vegetarian version, omit the ham and add more vegetables or tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but make sure to adjust the amount of water since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
2. What can I do with leftover dough? The dough can be frozen for later use. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap.
3. How can I make the calzone crispier? Brush the surface with a mixture of olive oil and water before baking.

Calzone Pizza is undoubtedly an excellent choice for those who appreciate Italian flavors. With a little patience and love, you will be able to create a dish that will impress any pizza lover. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and enjoy every delicious bite!