Potato Calzones: A Savory Italian Delight
These golden and crispy Potato Calzones are a perfect appetizer that will make any meal feel special. The combination of tender mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and savory prosciutto, all wrapped in a delicate, crispy dough, creates an irresistible bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a casual family meal, or looking for a comforting snack, these calzones will certainly satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
Serves 6
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (with skin) | 500g |
| Potato starch | 125g |
| Instant yeast (for savory recipes) | 3g |
| Eggs | 55g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Spinach (fresh) | 250g |
| Mozzarella (cubed) | 100g |
| Provola cheese (cubed) | 100g |
| Cooked ham (diced) | 100g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for frying) | as needed |
| Dried chili flakes | to taste |
| Fine salt (for seasoning) | to taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Dough
To begin, boil the potatoes with their skins on until they are tender and fully cooked. Once the potatoes are soft, mash them while they are still hot, using a potato masher or a ricer, placing the mashed potatoes into a large bowl.
Add the potato starch, instant yeast, and one egg to the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Using your hands, knead the mixture until it becomes smooth and well-combined, with a soft but firm dough-like consistency. Finally, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, working it into the dough until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Cook the Spinach
While preparing the dough, wash and roughly chop the spinach. In a large pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and add the spinach. Sauté the spinach for about 5-7 minutes, or until wilted. Once cooked, season with salt and a touch of dried chili flakes for an extra kick. Allow the spinach to cool slightly before using.
Step 3: Shape the Calzone Dough
On a clean surface, lightly dust your work area with some potato starch. Roll out the potato dough to a thickness of about ½ cm. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 11 cm in diameter), cut out 6 circles from the dough.
Step 4: Fill the Calzones
Take half of the dough circles and add a generous spoonful of the cooked spinach mixture to the center of each. Then fold each circle in half to form a half-moon shape and gently press the edges together with your fingers to seal the calzone.
For the remaining circles of dough, fill the centers with cubed mozzarella, provola cheese, and diced cooked ham. Fold over and press the edges to seal tightly.
Step 5: Fry the Calzones
Heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan, enough to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1 cm of oil. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a small piece of dough – it should sizzle immediately), carefully place the calzones in the hot oil.
Fry the calzones for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them carefully so they cook evenly on both sides.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the calzones are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve these crispy, gooey Potato Calzones hot and fresh from the pan. They make a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish, perfect for pairing with a light salad or as a satisfying standalone treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fats | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
These Potato Calzones are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With their crispy golden exterior and savory, cheesy filling, they’re an unforgettable treat. Whether you serve them as a starter or a snack, they’re guaranteed to impress your guests. Enjoy!
