Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli Recipe
This Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli is a healthy and delicious twist on a traditional Italian favorite. Filled with mozzarella cheese, vibrant vegetables, and wrapped in a hearty whole wheat dough, it’s a satisfying meal that combines the wholesomeness of whole grains with the comforting flavors of melted cheese and fresh produce. Perfect for dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this vegetarian stromboli is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients for the Bread Dough:
| Ingredient | 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 Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce | 1 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (thinly sliced) |
| Button Mushrooms (roughly chopped) | 200 grams |
| Black Olives (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 2 cups |
| Whole Egg (for egg wash) | 1 |
Preparation Time: 2 hours (120 minutes)
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes)
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes)
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast. -
-
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, followed by the extra virgin olive oil. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. -
Prepare the Filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the vegetable stuffing. In a skillet, sauté the sliced onion and red bell pepper in a little olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the chopped button mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. -
Assemble the Stromboli:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a large baking sheet and place it inside the oven to heat up.Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular shape, about 12 inches long and 8 inches wide.
Spread a thin layer of tomato basil pasta sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch from the edges. Layer the sautéed vegetables, followed by the black olives and grated mozzarella cheese.
-
Roll the Stromboli:
Carefully roll up the dough from one long edge, like a jelly roll, enclosing the filling. Pinch the seams and the ends of the dough tightly to seal in the ingredients. -
Egg Wash:
Beat the whole egg and brush it over the top of the stromboli for a golden, shiny finish when baked. -
Bake the Stromboli:
Transfer the assembled stromboli to the preheated baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. -
Cool and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the stromboli cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into pieces. Serve warm with extra pasta sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Dough Texture: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it rise at room temperature before rolling out.
- Variety: Feel free to customize the vegetable filling with your favorite options, like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
This Whole Wheat Vegetarian Stromboli is a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor, offering you the benefits of whole grains, the richness of mozzarella cheese, and the freshness of vegetables. It’s a great way to incorporate more fiber into your diet while enjoying a delicious, comforting meal. Enjoy!
