The Ultimate Guide to Making Eggplant Calzone

Eggplant Calzone: A Delicious Italian Dish That You Must Try

If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, then you must have heard about the famous eggplant calzone. This dish is a classic Italian favorite that is loved by many people around the world. It is essentially a folded pizza filled with eggplant and other delicious ingredients such as cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs.

In this guide, we'll take you through a step-by-step process of how to make your very own eggplant calzone from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just ing out in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and is sure to impress your family and friends. So, let's get ed!

Ingredients:

Making an eggplant calzone requires some basic ingredients that are easily available at any grocery store. Here are the ingredients that you'll need:

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to making your eggplant calzone. Follow these easy steps to make your very own delicious calzone:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

To make the dough, mix the flour, salt, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add water to the mixture and knead until it forms a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggplant

While the dough is resting, prepare the eggplant. Wash and cut the eggplant into small cubes. Heat some olive oil in a pan and sauté the eggplant cubes until they are tender and lightly browned. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and basil to the eggplant, and stir well.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part into a circle that is about 1/4 inch thick. Place one of the rolled-out dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Spread tomato sauce over the rolled-out dough circle, leaving about 1 inch around the edges. Then, add the sautéed eggplant on top of the tomato sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the eggplant.

Step 5: Fold and Seal the Calzone

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, and press the edges together to seal the calzone. Use a fork to make small punctures on the top of the calzone to allow steam to escape.

Step 6: Bake the Calzone

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the top of the calzone with olive oil and sprinkle some salt and black pepper over it. Bake the calzone for about 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the eggplant calzone is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into slices and serve hot with your favorite garnish.

Tips and Tricks:

• You can add other ingredients to the eggplant filling such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
• Be careful not to overfill the calzone, as it may not seal properly.
• You can use a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet to bake the calzone for a crispier crust.
• Don't forget to brush the top of the calzone with olive oil before baking to give it a nice golden color.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I make an eggplant calzone ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the eggplant filling and dough ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to make the calzone, simply roll out the dough, add the filling, and bake as directed.

Q2: Can I freeze leftover eggplant calzone?

Yes, you can freeze leftover eggplant calzone for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooled calzone in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the calzone overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Q3: Can I substitute all-purpose flour with any other type of flour?

You can use whole wheat flour or bread flour instead of all-purpose flour if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture of the dough may be different.

Q4: What type of cheese goes well with eggplant calzone?

Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for eggplant calzone. However, you can also use other types of cheese such as provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan.

Q5: How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 2 large eggplant calzones, each serving about 4-6 people.

Eggplant calzone is a delicious and filling Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. With our step-by-step guide, you can easily make your very own eggplant calzone at home. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a party, this dish is sure to impress everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Try making an eggplant calzone today and enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen!