Calzone I

Calzone I Recipe: A Delicious Italian Classic | Food Recipes

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Calzone is a delicious Italian dish that is essentially a folded pizza. It is typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables, and then baked until golden brown. This recipe for Calzone I is a twist on the traditional calzone, using rice, ham, spinach, and Alfredo sauce as the filling.

History

The calzone has its origins in Italy, where it is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover pizza dough and ingredients. The word "calzone" actually means "trouser leg" in Italian, which is thought to refer to the shape of the folded pizza. Over time, the calzone has evolved to include a wide range of fillings, making it a versatile and delicious dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp italian seasoning
1 cup diced cooked ham
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3 cups cooked rice
1 10 oz (283 g) container prepared alfredo sauce
3 10 oz (283 g) packages refrigerator pizza crust

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
Add onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Add ham; cook, stirring occasionally until the ham is beginning to brown.
Add spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until warm.
Remove from heat; stir in rice and Alfredo sauce.
Unroll one package of dough; cut it into rectangles.
Top each rectangle with a heaping 0.33 cup of the rice mixture.
Fold the dough edges over the filling and seal the edges with a fork.
Place the filled dough on a greased baking sheet.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
Bake in a 425°F (218°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Try using different meats such as pepperoni or sausage in the filling.
Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone.
Add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to the filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to squeeze the spinach dry before adding it to the filling to prevent the calzone from becoming too watery.

- Be sure to seal the edges of the calzone well with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as different meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this calzone with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious calzone is to ensure that the filling is well-seasoned and flavorful. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before filling the dough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ham on hand, you can use cooked chicken or turkey instead. You can also use a different type of sauce such as marinara or pesto in place of the Alfredo sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the calzone in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply assemble the calzones and bake them when you're ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the calzones on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This calzone pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the calzones in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this calzone recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this calzone recipe contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this calzone recipe contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this calzone recipe contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This calzone recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This calzone recipe contains wheat, dairy, and soy.

Summary

This calzone recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Calzone I is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With a flavorful filling of rice, ham, spinach, and Alfredo sauce, this calzone is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread. Maria had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled a golden-brown calzone out of the oven.

"Ah, mia cara, you must try this," she exclaimed, her hands dusted with flour. "It is a family recipe passed down through generations."

I eagerly took a bite of the crispy, doughy crust filled with gooey cheese, savory meats, and fragrant herbs. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

"Maria, this is incredible!" I exclaimed, my mouth still full of deliciousness. "I must learn how to make this!"

And so, Maria took me under her wing and taught me the art of making calzone. She showed me how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, how to let it rise until it doubled in size, and how to roll it out into a perfect circle.

As we worked together in her kitchen, Maria shared stories of her own grandmother, who had learned the recipe from her mother before her. She told me about the traditions and memories that were tied to this dish, how it was served at family gatherings and celebrations, and how each bite was a taste of love and heritage.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and every technique she shared with me. I was determined to master this recipe and carry on the tradition in my own family.

After several hours of kneading, rolling, filling, and baking, my first homemade calzone emerged from the oven. It was not as perfect as Maria's, but it was made with love and care, and that made all the difference.

I proudly presented it to my family, who eagerly dug in and savored every bite. My children's eyes lit up with delight as they tasted the delicious combination of flavors and textures. My husband smiled and nodded in approval, his mouth too full to speak.

From that day on, calzone became a regular dish in our household. I experimented with different fillings, from classic combinations like pepperoni and mozzarella to more adventurous options like spinach and feta. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to Maria and her family, to the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this dish before me.

As the years went by, I continued to refine my calzone recipe, adding my own personal touches and twists. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who marveled at its deliciousness and begged for the recipe. I taught my children how to make it, passing down the tradition to the next generation.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but smile as I mix the dough, roll it out, and fill it with all the ingredients that make calzone so special. With each fold and crimp, I feel the weight of history and tradition on my shoulders, and I am grateful for the gift of this recipe that has been passed down to me.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, there is something comforting and timeless about making a dish that has been enjoyed by generations before me. Calzone is more than just a meal; it is a connection to my past, a link to my heritage, and a symbol of the love and care that has been shared around my family table for years.

And as I take a bite of the warm, cheesy, delicious calzone that I have just pulled out of the oven, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude. This recipe is more than just a dish; it is a legacy, a memory, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.