Introducing the delectable Spinach and Ricotta Calzone, a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with its delightful combination of flavors and textures. This Italian classic is a delectable turnover made with a crispy, golden-brown crust encasing a savory filling of spinach, ricotta cheese, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Perfectly complemented by a zesty marinara dipping sauce, the Spinach and Ricotta Calzone offers a satisfying meal that is both comforting and indulgent.
In this comprehensive guide, we present to you not only the classic Spinach and Ricotta Calzone recipe but also an array of exciting variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Embark on a culinary journey as you discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect calzone dough, achieving the ideal balance of flavors in the spinach and ricotta filling, and mastering the art of folding and baking this Italian delight.
For those with dietary restrictions or adventurous palates, we offer a tempting selection of alternative fillings. Explore the vibrant flavors of the Roasted Vegetable Calzone, brimming with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and succulent mushrooms. Indulge in the rich and decadent Sausage and Pepper Calzone, a meat lover's paradise. Delight in the freshness of the Spinach and Feta Calzone, where tangy feta cheese harmonizes perfectly with earthy spinach. And for a vegetarian extravaganza, the Zucchini and Goat Cheese Calzone offers a symphony of flavors and textures.
With step-by-step instructions, detailed ingredient lists, and helpful tips, this guide empowers you to create these delectable calzones in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, we invite you to embark on this delicious journey of flavors and textures. Let your taste buds rejoice as you savor the exquisite Spinach and Ricotta Calzone and its extraordinary variations.
SAUSAGE, SPINACH AND RICOTTA CALZONE
Italian sausage and spinach are a great combination!
Provided by Fleischmann's Yeast
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips ARGO®, KARO®, FLEISCHMANN'S®
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Combine 1 cup flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Add very warm water and oil; mix until well blended, about 1 minute. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Dough should form a ball and will be slightly sticky. Knead** on a floured surface, adding additional flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Cover and let rest on floured surface while preparing filling.
- Cook sausage in skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through; remove from skillet and drain excess fat. Add spinach and water to skillet; saute 1 to 2 minutes until spinach is wilted; drain. Return sausage to pan.
- Combine ricotta, mozzarella and egg in a mixing bowl. Stir in Italian herb seasoning, crushed red pepper and garlic salt; set aside.
- To make calzones divide dough into four portions. Roll 1 portion into an 8-inch circle on a floured surface. Spread approximately 1/3 cup ricotta mixture in center bottom half of dough. Top with heaping 1/3 cup sausage spinach mixture leaving outer 1/2-inch free of filling. Fold top half of dough over filling. Pull edge of lower crust over top; folding and pressing layers together to form a seal. Carefully transfer to greased baking sheet. Cut 3 to 4 vents in top. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer to cooling rack to keep bottom crust crisp while cooling slightly. Serve with pizza sauce or other sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 437.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.4 g, Cholesterol 82 mg, Fat 19.2 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 6.8 g, Sodium 1437.9 mg, Sugar 3 g
SPINACH AND RICOTTA CALZONE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Lightly dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll the dough out into an 8 by 11-inch oval.
- In a medium bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place all the filling on 1 half of the dough leaving a 3/4-inch border along the edge.
- Fold the remaining dough over the filling until the edges line up and pinch the edges together to seal. Gently roll the pinched edges under to form a decorative rim.
- Place the calzone on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal and brush the top with olive oil.
- Bake until golden brown and the center is hot and melted, 25 minutes, rotating midway through cooking.
- Basic Pizza Dough:
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water, about 110 degrees F
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 teaspoon salt
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together yeast, warm water, sugar and olive oil. Let sit for about 3 minutes to fully dissolve and activate the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- With a rubber spatula, gradually mix the yeast mixture into the flour until just combined and dough barely holds together. Turn the dough out onto a clean counter surface dusted with flour.
- Knead the dough with flour-dusted hands until the dough has become smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. The surface should be tight and silky and bounce back slightly when pressed. Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
- Once doubled, punch the dough down and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Knead each 1 slightly to form a uniform ball. Set aside and cover them with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to rest for 30 minutes.
- Cook's Note: Dough can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight once it is divided. Keep covered tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed food storage bag.
- Yield: 2 dough balls
SPINACH AND RICOTTA CALZONE
Make and share this Spinach and Ricotta Calzone recipe from Food.com.
Provided by anme7039
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 50m
Yield 1 calzone, 1 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- DOUGH.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together yeast, warm water, sugar and olive oil. Let sit for about 3 minutes to fully dissolve and activate the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- With a rubber spatula, gradually mix the yeast mixture into the flour until just combined and dough barely holds together. Turn the dough out onto a clean counter surface dusted with flour.
- Knead the dough with flour-dusted hands until the dough has become smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. The surface should be tight and silky and bounce back slightly when pressed. Lightly grease a large mixing bowl with olive oil and place the dough in it.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.
- Once doubled, punch the dough down and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Knead each 1 slightly to form a uniform ball. Set aside and cover them with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap to rest for 30 minutes.
- Cook's Note: Dough can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight once it is divided. Keep covered tightly in plastic wrap or in a sealed food storage bag.
- Yield: 2 dough balls
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Lightly dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll the dough out into an 8 by 11-inch oval.
- In a medium bowl, mix the spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place all the filling on 1 half of the dough leaving a 3/4-inch border along the edge.
- Fold the remaining dough over the filling until the edges line up and pinch the edges together to seal. Gently roll the pinched edges under to form a decorative rim.
- Place the calzone on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal and brush the top with olive oil.
- Bake until golden brown and the center is hot and melted, 25 minutes, rotating midway through cooking.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1669.1, Fat 76, SaturatedFat 26.8, Cholesterol 125.5, Sodium 3958.5, Carbohydrate 188.2, Fiber 12.2, Sugar 6.7, Protein 59.3
Tips:
- For the best results, use fresh spinach. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before using.
- Be sure to chop the spinach finely so that it cooks evenly.
- If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to your calzone, such as cooked chicken, sausage, or vegetables.
- To make sure the calzone is cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the calzone is done.
Conclusion:
Spinach and ricotta calzone is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover spinach and ricotta cheese, and it can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, this calzone is sure to be a hit.
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