Meat Calzone

The calzone, an Italian culinary delight, traces its origins to Naples, a city renowned for its rich and diverse food culture. The term "calzone" translates to "trouser" or "stocking" in Italian, symbolizing the folded, pocket-like nature of this dish. Originally, calzones were designed as portable meals, ideal for working-class Neapolitans who needed a convenient and filling option while on the go.

The traditional calzone is a crescent-shaped turnover made from pizza dough, filled with an array of ingredients such as cheeses, meats, and vegetables. The meat calzone specifically highlights the rich flavors of Italian cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and pepperoni, often complemented by cheeses such as mozzarella and ricotta.

Italian sliders

Calzones gained popularity in the United States with the influx of Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time, the dish evolved to incorporate a variety of local ingredients and preferences, making it a beloved staple in pizzerias across the country.

Ingredients for Meat Calzone

Dough:

2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)

1 teaspoon sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons olive oil

Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled

1 cup diced pepperoni or salami

1 cup marinara sauce (optional)

1 egg (for egg wash)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Time:

Dough Preparation: 1 hour (including rising time)

Filling and Assembly: 30 minutes

Baking: 20-25 minutes

Total: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Procedure

Preparing the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the mixture begins to come together.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling

Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the cooked sausage and diced pepperoni or salami. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Calzones

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 8 inches in diameter.

Fill the Dough: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (if using) over half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Spoon the filling mixture over the sauce.

Seal the Calzones: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are fully closed.

Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush over the tops of the calzones. This will give them a golden-brown finish when baked.

Baking the Calzones

Bake: Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Cool and Serve: Let the calzones cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Comments

Italian Sliders

Italian sliders are a delightful fusion of American slider tradition and classic Italian flavors. This variation likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century, as culinary trends began to favor creative and international twists on traditional dishes. Italian sliders typically incorporate ingredients such as Italian sausage, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and fresh basil, embodying the rich and savory taste of Italian cuisine. Today, Italian sliders are a popular choice at parties, gatherings, and casual dining settings. They are versatile and can be customized with various ingredients to suit personal preferences. Common variations include the use of different cheeses, adding pepperoni or prosciutto, and incorporating vegetables like roasted red peppers or arugula. Meat Calzone How to Prepare Italian Sliders Ingredients For a batch of 12 Italian sliders, you will need the following ingredients: For the sliders: 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on p...

Curried Shrimp Rolls

Curried Shrimp Rolls combine the flavors of South Asia with the convenience of a Western-style sandwich. The dish likely evolved from the broader tradition of seafood and curry in regions like India, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia, where shrimp is a common protein. As these flavors made their way to the West, they began to merge with Western culinary formats, such as rolls and sandwiches. The concept of a "roll" sandwich, where the filling is enclosed within a bread roll or bun, has been popular in Western cuisines for centuries. It likely gained popularity in coastal regions of the United States, where fresh seafood was abundant, particularly in areas with a strong influence of Indian or Southeast Asian cuisine. The combination of curry, a blend of spices typically used in Indian cooking, with shrimp in a roll, created a unique fusion dish that is both flavorful and portable. How to Prepare Curried Shrimp Rolls Ingredients : 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and devein...

Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a staple of American barbecue, especially popular in the Southern United States. Traditionally, it involves slow-cooking pork shoulder until it becomes tender enough to be easily "pulled" into shreds. The history of barbecue in the United States is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions brought by European settlers and African slaves, who combined their techniques with local ingredients. Pulled pork specifically has a long history, with variations existing in different regions, each boasting its unique flavor profiles and cooking methods. Slow Cooker Korean Sloppy Joes Root beer pulled pork is a relatively modern twist on this classic dish. The use of root beer as a cooking ingredient can be traced back to creative home cooks and chefs experimenting with the sweet and spiced flavors of the soda. Root beer, a beverage with origins in the Native American tradition of brewing sassafras roots, gained popularity in the 19th century and became a commercial hit in...

Stuffed Burgers

Stuffed burgers, also known as Juicy Lucy or Jucy Lucy, have become a popular twist on the traditional hamburger. The origins of the stuffed burger can be traced back to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the 1950s. Two bars, Matt's Bar and the 5-8 Club, both claim to have invented the Juicy Lucy. The concept is simple yet revolutionary: instead of placing cheese on top of the burger patty, it is placed inside, creating a molten core of cheese that oozes out with the first bite. Over the years, the stuffed burger has evolved, with various fillings beyond cheese being used, such as bacon, mushrooms, jalapeños, and other ingredients. The ease of preparation and the customizable nature of the dish have contributed to its popularity among home cooks and professional chefs alike. Hoisin Chicken BLT Sandwich Ingredients for Easy Stuffed Burgers For four servings, you will need the following ingredients: Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness) Cheddar Cheese: 4 slices (o...

How to Prepare Curry in a Hurry Red Lentil Soup: Ingredients, Procedure, and History

Curry in a Hurry Red Lentil Soup is a modern twist on traditional lentil soups, infused with the flavors of curry spices. Lentil soups have been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world, prized for their affordability, nutritional value, and versatility. The addition of curry spices to lentil soup is a nod to the vibrant and aromatic cuisine of South Asia, where curry blends are an integral part of culinary traditions. While the exact origin of Curry in a Hurry Red Lentil Soup is unclear, it likely emerged as a fusion of Indian curry flavors with Western soup-making techniques, catering to the demand for quick and convenient meals in today's busy lifestyles. This recipe has gained popularity for its simplicity, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients, making it a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Chard Soup: A Nutritious and Flavorful Dish Ingredients 1 cup dried red lentils 5 cups vegetable stock (low sodium preferable) 4 carrots cut into thic...

Foodpackstore Blog

Search This Blog