Homemade Italian Calzones Recipe
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Italy with this Homemade Italian Calzones recipe that brings the perfect balance of crispy dough, flavorful fillings, and rich cheese. Ideal as a savory snack or a main course for a casual dinner, these calzones are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy night at home or serving them at a party, these calzones are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lukewarm Water | 1-1/4 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2-1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 3 cups |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, chopped |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Button Mushrooms | 10, washed and chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, chopped |
| Del Monte Black Olives | 1/2 cup, sliced |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup, grated |
For the Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 6, cut into quarters |
| Onion | 2, peeled and cut into chunks |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, chopped |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Prep Time:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings:
- Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine:
- Type: Italian Recipes
- Course: Snack
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by making the dough for the calzones. In a large bowl, combine the active dry yeast and sugar. Pour in the lukewarm water and stir gently. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate—look for bubbling and frothing as a sign that the yeast is working.
Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything together to form a soft dough. Knead the dough for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the dough with oil. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm spot to rise. Allow the dough to double in size, which should take about 2 hours.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce for your calzones. In a pressure cooker, combine the tomatoes, onions, and green chillies. Give the mixture one whistle, then remove it from the heat. Blend the mixture into a smooth paste, adding in the chopped garlic.
Next, pour this tomato mixture into a deep pan. Add the homemade tomato puree or paste, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and salt to taste. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzones
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the dough and divide it into 2-inch balls. Roll each ball into a medium-thin circle.
On one half of each dough circle, layer the chopped bell pepper, onions, mushrooms, green chillies, Del Monte black olives, and grated mozzarella cheese. Be sure to evenly distribute the fillings among the calzones.
Fold the other half of the dough circle over the filling to form a semi-circle. Seal the edges tightly to ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Calzones
Place the assembled calzones onto greased baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and well-baked. For an added touch of flavor and a beautiful brown crust, brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil before baking.
Step 5: Serve
Once baked, remove the calzones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve them warm alongside the homemade sauce you prepared earlier. For a more authentic Italian touch, you can sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the calzones.
These calzones also pair wonderfully with a refreshing dip like Raw Mango and Spring Onion Dip, perfect for house parties or casual gatherings.
Tips for the Perfect Calzones:
- Dough Consistency: Ensure that your dough is soft but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little more water.
- Flavored Oil: Brush the calzones with garlic-infused olive oil before baking for extra flavor.
- Fillings Variations: Feel free to customize the fillings with other ingredients like pepperoni, ham, or spinach to suit your taste.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra burst of flavor, serve these calzones with a side of marinara sauce or a simple green salad.
These Homemade Italian Calzones are the perfect balance of crispy crust, savory fillings, and melty cheese. They bring the taste of Italy right into your kitchen, making every bite a delightful experience!
