California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone

California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone Recipe - Delicious & Flavorful

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 18 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone is a delicious and unique twist on the traditional Italian calzone. Filled with creamy avocado, succulent shrimp, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone is a modern fusion dish that combines the creamy texture of California avocados with the savory flavors of shrimp and cheese. This recipe is a creative take on the classic Italian calzone, which is typically filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Ingredients

12 california avocados, cut into 0.25 inch dice
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 cups chopped red onion
3 cups coarsely chopped roasted red bell pepper
3 cups lightly packed peeled, deveined shrimp
3 cups gouda cheese, shredded
6 tsp shredded fresh basil
4 lb 8 oz pizza dough
olive oil, as needed
Dried basil, as needed

How to prepare

METHOD.
Gently mix avocado with lemon juice and set aside.
Mix onion, roasted pepper, shrimp, and Gouda.
Gently fold in the reserved avocado and set aside, tightly covered.
Scale the dough into 24 pieces, each weighing 3 oz (85 g). Roll each piece into a circle about 7 inches in diameter.
Place 0.5 cup of the reserved avocado mixture on half of the circle and lightly flatten it, leaving a 1-inch border.
Fold the other half over and tightly seal the edges. Then flute the edges and arrange the calzones on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Bake at 400°F until browned, approximately 18 minutes.
Lightly brush the calzone with olive oil and sprinkle with dried basil.
Allow the calzones to cool and then refrigerate them tightly wrapped for storage.
PER ORDER.
Heat 1 calzone until warmed through.
1-0.5 tbsp of dried basil can be substituted.

Variations

Substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or olives to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the avocados and shrimp into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the calzone.

- Seal the edges of the calzone tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Brushing the calzone with olive oil and sprinkling with dried basil before baking adds extra flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the calzones in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead of Gouda.

- Substitute fresh basil with dried basil or Italian seasoning.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling and dough ahead of time, then assemble and bake the calzones when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone on a platter garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing citrusy cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the creamy goodness of avocados with the savory taste of shrimp and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day in California, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria. Maria had always been an amazing cook, and she loved to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. On that particular day, she had something special planned for lunch - California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you today, my dear," she said with a smile. "It's a twist on the classic calzone, filled with succulent shrimp and creamy California avocados. I think you're going to love it."

I watched as Maria effortlessly prepared the dough for the calzone, kneading it with practiced hands and shaping it into a perfect circle. She then proceeded to sauté the shrimp in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, adding a splash of white wine for extra flavor. The scent of the sizzling shrimp filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, Maria sliced open a ripe California avocado and scooped out the creamy flesh, mashing it with a fork until it was smooth and luscious. She then mixed in some fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat. The vibrant green avocado mixture looked absolutely irresistible, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

Maria generously spooned the avocado mixture onto one half of the calzone dough, leaving a border around the edges. She then topped it with the cooked shrimp, sprinkling on some grated Parmesan cheese for good measure. With a deft hand, she folded the other half of the dough over the filling, crimping the edges to seal it shut.

As Maria slid the calzone into the oven, the smell of baking bread and melting cheese filled the kitchen. I eagerly watched through the oven window as the calzone turned a golden brown, the cheese bubbling and oozing out from the seams. When it was finally done, Maria pulled it out of the oven and placed it on the counter to cool.

With a sharp knife, she cut the calzone into generous slices, revealing the luscious filling inside. The shrimp and avocado melded together in a harmonious blend of flavors, the creamy richness of the avocado complementing the briny sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. I took a bite and closed my eyes in pure bliss, savoring the taste of Maria's culinary creation.

From that day on, California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone became one of my favorite recipes to make. I loved how versatile it was, how you could easily customize it with different fillings and ingredients. Whenever I cooked it for friends and family, they would always rave about how delicious it was, asking for the recipe so they could make it themselves.

I often think back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, where I first learned to make this delectable dish. It reminds me of the joy of cooking and sharing food with loved ones, of the power of a good recipe to bring people together. And I am forever grateful to Maria for introducing me to the magic of California Avocado-Shrimp Calzone, a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart.