Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli Recipe
Description
This Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli combines the wholesome goodness of whole wheat dough with a hearty filling of sautéed vegetables, a rich tomato basil sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This delicious and healthy twist on the classic Italian stromboli is perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a unique dish to serve at a gathering. With its crispy golden crust and flavorful, savory filling, this vegetarian stromboli is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Paired with a refreshing Italian-style salad or a comforting apple crumble pie, this stromboli brings a complete and satisfying meal to the table.
Ingredients
The ingredients for the Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli are divided into dough components, filling, and toppings. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients for Dough | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3 cups |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2-1/2 teaspoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Lukewarm Water | 1 cup |
| Ingredients for Filling | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce | 1 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Button Mushrooms (roughly chopped) | 200 grams |
| Black Olives (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 2 cups |
| For Egg Wash and Topping | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Egg (for egg wash) | 1 |
| Sesame Seeds | For sprinkling |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 200 minutes (including resting time)
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dinner
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
- Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a large baking sheet and place it inside the oven as it preheats.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, active dry yeast, honey, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well to dissolve and allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
- In a separate bowl, sift the whole wheat flour and salt together. Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, using your hands to incorporate it slowly. Keep adding flour until all the ingredients are mixed, and the dough is slightly sticky.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 to 10 minutes, adding a little more olive oil if the dough sticks too much. The goal is to achieve a smooth, elastic texture.
- Once kneaded, coat the mixing bowl with a bit of olive oil, and place the dough inside. Cover it loosely with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
2. Preparing the Filling
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, red bell pepper, and chopped mushrooms. Stir-fry the vegetables for a few minutes until they are lightly roasted and softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Stir in the chopped black olives for added flavor and texture.
- Prepare a thick tomato basil pasta sauce using your favorite recipe or store-bought sauce. Ensure that the sauce is not too watery, as excess liquid could make the stromboli soggy.
3. Assembling the Stromboli
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a large rectangle about 10 by 14 inches in size.
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared tomato basil sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle half of the sautéed mushroom mixture over the sauce, and then add half of the grated mozzarella cheese, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges of the dough.
- Carefully roll the dough from the edge facing you, forming a cylinder. Pinch the edges to seal the roll, ensuring the filling stays inside. Apply a little water to the edges to help them stick together.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough portion and filling ingredients.
4. Baking the Stromboli
- Place both strombolis on the prepared baking sheet. Cover them loosely with a damp cloth and allow them to rise for another 30 minutes.
- While the stromboli rises, prepare the egg wash by beating the whole egg in a small bowl. Once the strombolis have risen, brush the top of each with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of each stromboli for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the stromboli are golden brown and crispy. The dough should be fully cooked and the cheese melted and bubbling inside.
5. Final Touches
- Once baked, turn off the oven and let the stromboli rest outside for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Slice the stromboli into thick, hearty pieces and serve hot.
6. Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve your Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli with a refreshing Italian Style Potato and Cucumber Salad and a warm, comforting Apple Crumble Pie for dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
This Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli is a hearty, satisfying dish that incorporates the goodness of whole wheat flour and a variety of fresh vegetables. It’s not only delicious but also a nutritious alternative to traditional stromboli, making it the perfect choice for a vegetarian dinner option. The addition of tomato basil sauce and mozzarella creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture, while the crispy crust adds a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with a salad or a dessert, this stromboli is sure to impress!
