Pan-fried Potato Calzones

Pan-fried potato calzones are a simple and delicious dish, perfect as a starter or main course. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients

• 500 g of potatoes
• 150 g of flour (plus more for working the dough)
• 1 egg
• Salt, as needed
• Pepper, as needed
• 100 g of diced cooked ham
• 100 g of diced mozzarella
• Extra virgin olive oil for pan-frying

Preparation

1. Start by boiling the potatoes in water until they are soft. Once cooked, drain them, peel them and pass them through a potato ricer, collecting them in a large bowl.

2. Add to the potato puree the flour, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and the egg. Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. If necessary, add more flour until the dough becomes smooth and does not stick to your hands.

3. Divide the dough into equal portions and on a floured surface roll out each portion with a rolling pin, forming discs with a diameter of about 15-20 cm.

4. Fill half of each disc with cooked ham and mozzarella, leaving the edge free. Fold the disc of dough in half, closing the calzone and seal the edges well with your fingers or with the tines of a fork.

5. Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick pan and cook the calzones over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, until they are golden and crispy. Make sure that the mozzarella inside has melted properly.

6. Serve hot.

This dish has roots in the rustic Italian cuisine and recalls the typical potato-based dishes of the peasant cooking of Southern Italy. Potato calzones can be customized with different types of fillings, such as grilled vegetables, various cheeses, or cold cuts. Enjoy your meal!