Calzone Pizza

Pizza Calzone: An Italian Delight for Family Sundays

What could be more enjoyable on a family Sunday than savoring a delicious pizza filled with flavors and fresh ingredients? Today, I invite you to prepare a calzone pizza recipe with me, a delightful and comforting twist on a classic dish. I will guide you step by step on how to achieve the perfect calzone pizza that will impress not only with its appearance but also with its taste!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 5-6 servings

Ingredients Needed

I. For the dough:
- 700 g flour (ideally type 00 for a fine texture)
- 350 ml warm water (about 37-40°C)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10 g fresh yeast (or 3 g dry yeast)

II. For the filling:
- 500 g champignon mushrooms (or wild mushrooms for a more intense flavor)
- 200 g black olives, pitted
- 400 g pressed ham (or prosciutto, if you prefer)
- 2 medium onions (white or red, depending on your preference)
- 500 g mozzarella (you can also use ricotta cheese for a creamy texture)

III. For the tomato sauce:
- 1 can of 840 g whole peeled tomatoes in tomato juice
- 10 fresh basil leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt

A Brief History of Calzone

Calzone is a variation of pizza that originated in Italy, particularly popular in the southern regions. It is considered a "stuffed pizza" due to the way it is made—ingredients are wrapped in a sheet of dough, creating a crescent shape. This recipe has evolved over time, adapting to local tastes and available ingredients. It’s perfect for family meals or parties, as it is easy to portion and serve.

Making the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This step is essential to ensure that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a smooth dough.

3. Kneading: Now comes the part that requires a bit of effort! Knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. A tip: if you find the dough too sticky, add a little flour, but don’t overdo it to avoid drying out the dough.

4. Rising the dough: Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until it doubles in size.

5. Dividing the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 5-6 portions of about 200 g each. You can adjust the portion sizes if you want smaller or larger calzones.

6. Shaping: Form each portion into a ball, then roll it out into a round sheet about 5 mm thick. Cover each sheet with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 20 minutes.

Filling the Calzone

1. Preparing the ingredients: While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Slice the mushrooms thinly, julienne the onions, and cut the ham into strips. You can leave the olives whole or cut them in half, depending on your preference.

2. Filling: Take a sheet of dough and place it in a greased baking tray lined with parchment paper. On one half of the sheet, place 1/5 of the sliced mushrooms, some of the onions, ham, olives, 2-3 tablespoons of tomato sauce, and grated mozzarella. Cover the filling with the other half of the dough sheet.

3. Sealing: Gently press the edges of the calzone to seal them well. Then, twist the edges inward to seal the filling so that it doesn’t leak during baking.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C. It’s important to have a well-heated oven to achieve a crispy crust.

2. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and let the calzones bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. You can turn them halfway through the baking time for even browning.

3. Finishing: After removing them from the oven, brush them with a little olive oil and the previously prepared tomato sauce. This sauce is extremely simple to make: just blend the canned tomatoes with the basil, oregano, salt, and olive oil using a blender.

Serving and Delicious Combinations

Calzone pizza is delicious served warm, alongside a fresh salad of cherry tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Pair it with a yogurt sauce or a dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for an extra kick. You can serve this dish with a glass of white wine or tomato juice, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Tips and Variations

- Filling variations: You can experiment with different fillings using ingredients like spinach, ricotta, cooked chicken, or feta cheese. This gives you the freedom to adapt the recipe according to your or your family’s preferences.

- Adding spices: Add a dash of chili or crushed garlic to the filling for a spicy touch.

- Freezing: If you have leftover calzones, you can freeze them before baking. You can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of calzone contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of cheese used. This is a satisfying meal that provides protein, fiber, and plenty of nutrients from the vegetables. When you choose fresh and healthy ingredients, you can turn calzone pizza into a nutritious option for the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use 1/3 of the amount of fresh yeast (about 3 g).

2. What type of flour is best for the dough?
Type 00 flour is ideal for pizza, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular all-purpose flour.

3. Can I prepare the dough a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Make sure to cover it well.

4. How can I make the dough thinner?
Roll the dough out with a rolling pin and make sure to use enough flour to prevent sticking.

5. What other sauces can I use for the filling?
In addition to tomato sauce, you can use pesto sauce or a white cheese-based sauce.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to get cooking! With every bite of calzone pizza, you’ll bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and enjoy the moments spent together around the table! Happy cooking!