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| Vegetable Calzone |
Specialty of Vegetable Calzone
A vegetable calzone is a folded pizza that offers a delicious, savory combination of cheese, vegetables, and herbs wrapped in a crisp, golden-brown dough. Unlike traditional pizza, which is flat, a calzone is enclosed, which helps to seal in the flavors and keep the filling moist and flavorful. The specialty of a vegetable calzone lies in its versatility and the ability to customize it with a variety of vegetables and cheeses, creating a balanced, satisfying meal.
Versatility: You can include a wide range of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, onions, and tomatoes.
Flavorful Fillings: Combining vegetables with cheese and herbs enhances the taste and texture.
Convenience: It’s a portable meal that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Crispy Exterior: The dough becomes beautifully crisp, offering a contrast to the soft, cheesy interior.
Vegetable Calzone Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- ½ cup finely chopped bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms
- ¼ cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Marinara or pizza sauce (for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
1. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Cook until vegetables are tender. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar (if using).
3.Assemble the Calzones:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
3. Roll each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
4. Place a generous amount of filling on one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal and crimp with a fork.
6. Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Serve:
Let the calzones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping.
Restaurants Where to Find Vegetable Calzone in Pakistan
While traditional calzones might not be as widely available in Pakistan as in some other countries, you can still find them in various restaurants, especially those with a focus on Italian cuisine. Here are a few places where you might find a vegetable calzone or similar dishes:
Burns Road, Karachi: Known for its diverse range of eateries, including those serving Italian and international cuisine.
The Pasta House, Lahore: Offers a selection of Italian dishes and may have calzones on the menu.
Monal Restaurant, Islamabad: A popular spot for various cuisines, including international options.
Pompei, Karachi: An Italian restaurant that might have calzones or similar dishes.
It’s always a good idea to check the current menu online or call ahead to see if they have calzones available.
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| Beef Calzone |
Specialty of Beef Calzone
Beef calzone is a delightful Italian dish that offers a twist on traditional pizza by enclosing its fillings in a folded dough. The specialty of beef calzone lies in its rich, savory beef filling, combined with a variety of cheeses and vegetables, all encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. This makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that is both portable and easy to eat.
Beef Calzone Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1.Prepare the Dough:
1. In a bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water and add the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. 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 doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Filling:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in mozzarella and ricotta cheese.
3. Assemble the Calzones:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
3. Roll each portion into a circle about 6-8 inches in diameter.
4. Spoon the beef mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
5. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, pressing the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for extra security.
6. Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and lightly drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake the Calzones:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Let cool slightly before serving.
Restaurants in Pakistan Where Beef Calzone is Available
Beef calzone might not be as common in traditional Pakistani eateries, but you can find it at some Italian or international restaurants. Here are a few places you might want to check:
Monal Restaurant (Islamabad) – Known for a diverse menu including international options.
Cinque (Lahore) – Offers a variety of Italian dishes.
Pompei (Karachi) – An Italian restaurant known for its pizza and calzones.
If you're craving beef calzone, calling ahead to check their menu or asking about special items might be a good idea!
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| Chicken Calzone |
Specialty of Chicken Calzone
Chicken calzone is a delightful Italian dish known for its pocket-like shape, which is essentially a folded pizza. The beauty of a calzone lies in its versatility and the ability to encase various fillings, with chicken being a popular choice. The calzone's specialty comes from its combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful herbs, all encased in a crispy, golden-brown crust. It’s often served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Chicken Calzone Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- ½ cup bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2.Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until soft.
Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked spinach, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, sautéed vegetables, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Calzones:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.
Roll out each portion into a circle on a floured surface, about ¼ inch thick.
Spoon the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork.
Brush the tops of the calzones with a beaten egg and lightly brush with olive oil.
4. Bake:
Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce.
Restaurants in Pakistan Where Chicken Calzone is Available
1. Monal Restaurant - Islamabad
Known for its wide variety of pizzas and calzones.
2. Sizzler’s Pizza- Karachi
Offers a range of pizza options, including calzones.
3. PIZZA HUT - Various locations
Pizza Hut often features calzones on their menu.
4. Bella Vita - Lahore
An Italian restaurant known for its diverse menu, including calzones.
5. Oregano - Islamabad
A popular spot for Italian cuisine, including calzones.
Feel free to check their current menus or visit their websites for the most up-to-date offerings!
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| Classic Calzone |
Specialty of Classic Calzone
A classic calzone is a type of Italian stuffed pizza that is folded in half to form a crescent shape, creating a pocket filled with a savory blend of ingredients. Its specialty lies in its versatility and rich, gooey filling, which often includes cheese, meats, and vegetables. The folded structure helps the calzone retain all the delicious flavors inside, resulting in a concentrated burst of taste with every bite. It’s essentially a portable pizza, with all the comforting elements of traditional pizza enclosed in a golden, crisp crust.
Recipe for Classic Calzone
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni, sliced or crumbled
- ½ cup cooked mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 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 doubled in size.
2.Prepare the Filling:
1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, sausage or pepperoni, mushrooms, and basil or parsley.
3.Assemble the Calzones:
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a 10-inch circle.
3. Place a portion of the filling on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal and crimp with a fork.
5. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
4.Bake:
1. Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
2. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Restaurants in Pakistan Where Classic Calzone is Available
1.Saba Restaurant (Lahore)
Offers a range of Italian dishes, including classic calzones.
2.Pizza Hut (Various Locations)
While not traditional, they sometimes offer calzones as part of their limited-time specials.
3. Mamma Mia (Islamabad)
A popular Italian restaurant with a reputation for serving high-quality calzones and other Italian fare.
These restaurants might have varying versions or styles of calzone, so it’s a good idea to check their current menus or call ahead to confirm availability.
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