Homemade Italian Calzones Recipe
Description
Homemade Italian Calzones are a delicious twist on the traditional pizza, offering a savory, stuffed pocket of goodness. These crescent-shaped delights are like pizza turnovers, filled with vibrant vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, green chillies, and olives, combined with gooey mozzarella cheese. You can also include your favorite meat for an added touch of flavor. Once baked, the calzones turn golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining warm and gooey on the inside. To top it off, serve them with a hot marinara or pizza sauce for a complete, mouthwatering snack.
Cuisine: Italian Recipes
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian (Optional meat additions)
Ingredients
For the Calzone:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lukewarm Water | 1-1/4 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2-1/4 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 cups |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), chopped | 1 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Button Mushrooms, washed and chopped | 10 |
| Green Chillies, chopped | 2 |
| Del Monte Black Olives, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese, grated | 1 cup |
For the Pizza Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes, cut into quarters | 6 |
| Onion, peeled and cut into large chunks | 2 |
| Green Chillies, slit | 2 |
| Garlic, chopped | 2 cloves |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt, to taste | – |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes (dough rise time excluded)
Total Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
Start by preparing the dough for the calzones. In a large bowl, combine the active dry yeast and sugar. Add the lukewarm water and gently stir. Cover the mixture and let it proof for about 5 minutes. The yeast should bubble and froth, indicating it’s active. -
Mix the Dough:
Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until the ingredients form a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, rolling it around to coat it in the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place it in a warm area to rise. Let it rise for approximately 2 hours or until it has doubled in size. -
Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
While the dough is rising, make the pizza sauce. In a pressure cooker, combine the tomatoes, onions, and green chillies. Cook for one whistle, then remove and blend the mixture into a smooth paste with the chopped garlic. -
Cook the Sauce:
Pour the blended mixture into a deep pan. Add the homemade tomato puree, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix well, and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop flavors. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) to prepare for baking the calzones. -
Assemble the Calzones:
Once the dough has risen, take 2-inch portions and roll each into a medium-thin circle. On one half of the circle, layer your filling. Begin with the chopped green bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, green chillies, Del Monte black olives, and mozzarella cheese. -
Seal the Calzones:
Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges of the dough together to seal the calzone, ensuring no filling escapes during baking. -
Bake the Calzones:
Place the assembled calzones onto greased baking sheets. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and the dough has become light and crispy. Optional: brush the tops of the calzones with a little extra olive oil before baking to achieve a golden, glossy crust. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the calzones are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve your homemade Italian calzones warm with the prepared pizza sauce on the side. For an extra Italian touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the calzones before serving.You can also serve them with a fresh, tangy raw mango and spring onion dip for an added burst of flavor, perfect for house parties and gatherings.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
Note: Nutritional values are based on vegetarian filling without additional meats. Please adjust accordingly if adding meats to the calzones.
Tips & Variations:
- Meat Options: If you’re not following a vegetarian diet, feel free to add your choice of cooked chicken, sausage, or pepperoni to the calzone filling for a meaty twist.
- Cheese Variety: While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses such as ricotta, cheddar, or provolone for different textures and flavors.
- Spicy Kick: Add more green chillies or a sprinkle of red chili flakes to the filling for a spicier kick.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these calzones with a side of fresh salad, or pair them with a light appetizer like bruschetta or garlic bread to make a complete meal.
Homemade Italian calzones bring the comforting flavors of pizza into a portable, snack-sized form thatβs perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to celebratory house parties. Enjoy this delightful recipe and create memories with every bite!
