A calzone is a type of Italian oven-baked turnover that is made from pizza dough. It resembles a folded or sealed pizza, often in the shape of a half-moon or a pocket. The word "calzone" means "trouser" or "pant leg" in Italian, referring to its folded shape.
Here are the key features and steps involved in making a calzone:
Dough: The calzone dough is typically made from the same ingredients as pizza dough, including flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise, and then rolled out into a circular or oval shape.
Filling: The filling for a calzone is usually similar to pizza toppings. It commonly includes ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, vegetables (like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers), cured meats (such as ham, salami, or pepperoni), and herbs or seasonings.
Assembly: The rolled-out dough is typically spread with a layer of tomato sauce, leaving a border around the edges. The filling ingredients are then placed on one half of the dough, keeping in mind not to overfill it. The other half of the dough is then folded over the filling.
Sealing: The edges of the dough are pressed together or crimped to seal the calzone. This helps to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Baking: The assembled calzone is then baked in a hot oven until the dough becomes golden brown and crispy, and the filling is cooked and melted. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the calzone.