Calzone with mushrooms and chicken

Calzone with mushrooms and chicken - An Italian delicacy in every bite

Calzone, another type of pizza from Italian tradition, specifically from the Puglia region, is a dish that combines the rich flavors of fresh ingredients into a delicious and practical package. It is also known as 'Panzerotti' by locals. This closed pizza, with a savory filling, is ideal for being served on the go, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a lazy dinner in front of the TV, or even a special breakfast on a spring morning. Let's discover together how you can prepare the most delicious calzone with mushrooms and chicken!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g white flour (ideally type 00 pizza flour)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated yeast
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 70 ml olive oil

For the filling:
- 200 g mozzarella (cubed or grated)
- 200 g mushrooms (champignon or any preferred type, sliced)
- 300 g chicken breast (cubed)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)

Preparation

1. Making the dough:

Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with the sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, and a little lukewarm milk. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place until the mixture becomes frothy (about 10-15 minutes). This is the starter that will give freshness to the dough.

Once the starter has risen, add it to the bowl with flour, along with the remaining lukewarm milk and olive oil. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and smooth. If you feel the dough is too dry, add 50 ml of milk at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.

Helpful tip: If you're feeling a bit nervous or stressed, don't hesitate to knead the dough with vigor – pizza dough loves to be 'slammed' on the table for better development!

2. Let the dough rise:

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

3. Preparing the filling:

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion along with the garlic until they become translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden. Then, add the cubed chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, and cook until the meat is well cooked through.

4. Forming the calzones:

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a round sheet about 5 mm thick. Place the filling on half of each circle, adding the mozzarella, then fold the dough to form a semicircle. Press the edges to seal the calzone, then get a bit creative and use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the edges.

5. Rise again:

Place the calzones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them rise again for 15-20 minutes. This step will make them fluffier and airier.

6. Baking:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the calzones for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. If desired, you can brush them with a little olive oil before baking for a more appetizing appearance.

7. Serving:

After removing them from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, then cut a slice from each calzone to let the filling ooze out. Serve them warm alongside a fresh green salad or a tomato sauce for added flavor.

Helpful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as ricotta cheese with spinach, or even beef or vegetables. Each variation will bring a unique touch to the dish.
- Freezing: Calzones can be frozen in their raw state. Make sure to seal them well to avoid freezer burn and 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 450-500 calories, depending on the filling used. They provide a good source of protein from the chicken and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the flour, so moderation is key!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
- Yes, but make sure to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.

2. How can I make the calzones healthier?
- You can reduce the amount of mozzarella or use low-fat versions, and instead of olive oil, you can use cooking spray.

3. Can I use other types of meat?
- Absolutely! You can use beef, turkey, or even fish, depending on personal preferences.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious calzone with mushrooms and chicken, all that's left is to enjoy a tasty meal with your loved ones. Experiment and add your own personal touches to make this recipe truly unique! Bon appétit!