Calzone Pizza

Calzone Pizza – A Delicious Italian Indulgence

Who doesn't love pizza? But how about a closed pizza, filled with delicious ingredients hidden inside a fluffy dough? Enter calzone pizza, a dish that combines all your favorite flavors in a unique shape. This dish has become popular due to its versatility, as it can be filled with any ingredient you desire. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a calzone with ham and mushrooms, a perfect combination for a hearty meal.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 800 g flour
- 300 ml lukewarm water
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the dough)
- 50 ml olive oil (for the filling)
- 1 medium onion
- 3-5 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 200 g cooked ham (sliced)
- 200 g mushrooms (sliced)
- 200 g mozzarella (grated or cubed)
- 500 g diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 egg (for brushing)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough

The first step in making a perfect calzone pizza is the dough. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl; this will help aerate the flour and make the dough lighter and fluffier. In the center of the flour, create a well and add the crumbled fresh yeast, sugar, salt, and one tablespoon of olive oil.

Then, pour the lukewarm water into the well. Stir gently with a spoon, then switch to kneading with your hands. The dough should be elastic and slightly sticky but not overly so. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Let the Dough Rise

Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a bowl greased with a little olive oil, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. This process will allow the yeast to work, making the dough rise and become fluffy.

3. Preparing the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. In a skillet, heat 50 ml of olive oil over medium heat and add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Add the strips of ham and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook everything for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the mushrooms have softened, add the canned tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

4. Forming the Calzone

After the dough has risen, divide it into four equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a round shape, about 5 mm thick.

On half of each dough round, place a quarter of the ham and mushroom mixture and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Wet the edges of the dough with a brush, then fold the other half over the filling and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the edges and ensure the filling doesn’t leak during baking.

5. Baking the Calzone

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with the beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust. Bake the calzones for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Calzone pizza is served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or sauces like tomato sauce or garlic yogurt sauce. You can also add grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.

Variations and Tips

This calzone recipe is extremely versatile! You can experiment with fillings like roasted vegetables, feta cheese, olives, or even seafood. If you want a vegetarian dish, you can omit the ham and add more mushrooms or vegetables.

If you want the dough to be even fluffier, you can add a teaspoon of olive oil to the dough. Additionally, you can let the dough rise longer for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Calzone pizza is a good source of protein due to the ham and cheese, while the mushrooms and tomatoes provide important vitamins and antioxidants. Whole wheat flour can be used to increase the fiber content. Each serving contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast. Use about 10 g of dry yeast and follow the same instructions.

2. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead. You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, and before use, let it come to room temperature.

3. What drinks pair well with calzone pizza?
A cold beer or a light white wine are excellent choices to accompany calzone pizza. Additionally, a citrus spritz can add a touch of freshness.

I hope this calzone pizza recipe brings you joy in the kitchen! Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a party with friends, your calzone will surely be a hit. Enjoy!