Whole grain crazy dough calzones
17/11/2023Whole grain crazy dough calzones can be a tasty and healthier option compared to the traditional version. Here is a basic recipe that you can adapt according to your tastes and needs.
Ingredients for the whole grain crazy dough:
- 300 g of whole grain flour
- About 150 ml of lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g of ricotta
- 150 g of mozzarella (or another cheese of your choice)
- 100 g of cooked spinach (or another vegetable to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Other ingredients to taste (cooked ham, cured meats, mushrooms, etc.)
Preparation
- Start with the preparation of the crazy dough. In a large bowl, mix the whole grain flour with the salt. Add the oil and the lukewarm water a little at a time, kneading until you get a homogeneous and not too sticky mixture. If necessary, adjust with more flour or more water.
- Work the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest covered with a damp cloth for about 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the filling. Mix the ricotta with the diced mozzarella, the squeezed and cooked spinach, salt, and pepper, and grated nutmeg if you like. If you wish to add other ingredients such as cooked ham or cured meats, chop them into small pieces and incorporate them into the filling.
- Prepare the calzones: divide the dough into balls of the desired size. Roll out each ball into a thin disk on a floured surface.
- Distribute the filling over half of each disk, leaving a free edge on the sides. Close the calzone by folding the other half of the disk over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or with the tines of a fork.
- Transfer the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and, if you wish, brush the surface with a bit of oil or with a beaten egg for a more golden crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 20-25 minutes or until the calzones are golden and crispy.
Curiosity
Calzones are a typical preparation in Southern Italy and are closely related to the pizza tradition. They are often prepared in a fried version, especially in Campania. Crazy dough, on the other hand, is a very simple and quick dough that does not require yeast, making it perfect for a quicker preparation compared to that of classic bread or pizza dough. The addition of whole grain flour provides better digestibility and a superior nutritional contribution.