Authentic Puglian Calzone Recipe: A Taste of the South
Have you ever been to Puglia? If you have, you’ll know that this Italian region is famous not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its culinary traditions. Today, I’m taking you on a journey through the flavors of the south with a dish that encapsulates all the warmth and essence of this land: a comforting filling enclosed in a golden crust.
I still remember when my grandmother, originally from those sunny lands, used to prepare this dish on family Sundays. The aroma of sweet stewed onions would fill the house, and we, impatient children, would watch as she transformed simple ingredients into something magical. That calzone was more than a meal; it was a hug.
Today, I want to share with you that special recipe: from the soft and slightly crunchy dough to the rich and flavorful filling made of onions softened in olive oil, perfectly salted anchovy fillets, aromatic capers, and black olives that add that irresistible rustic touch. And if you want to add a fresh note to this timeless classic, try adding some cherry tomatoes to the filling!
Get ready to experience the authenticity of Puglian cuisine right in your own kitchen. It’s time to knead, fill, and savor every single bite!
Recipe Notes
- EASE: quick and easy preparation
- FLAVOR: traditional and tasty taste
- PREPARATION: fast and hassle-free
- COOKING TIME: only 15 minutes in the oven
- NUTRITIONAL NOTES: approximately 300 calories per serving
- TWIST: addition of cherry tomatoes for freshness and acidity
Ingredients Notes for the Recipe
- Pizza Dough: the traditional and versatile base for the calzone
- Onions: they bring sweetness and flavor to the filling
- Anchovy Fillets: they add a salty and savory touch
- Capers: they give an explosion of flavor to the filling
- Pitted Black Olives: they bring a strong and distinctive flavor
- Olive Oil: essential for the preparation and cooking of the calzone
Nutritional Aspects
The Puglian Calzone is not only bursting with flavors and tradition, but it also offers some great nutritional benefits:
- Moderate calorie intake: approximately 300 Kcal per serving.
- Rich in fiber thanks to the onions, which is great for digestion.
- Anchovies provide a good source of protein and Omega-3.
- Capers bring natural antioxidants to the dish.
- Black olives are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Olive oil contributes “good” fats and vitamin E.
Traditional and Tasty Pugliese Calzone Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g Pizza Dough
- 350 g Onions
- 40 g Anchovies Fillets
- 2 tablespoons Capers
- 80 g Black Olives Pitted
- as needed Flour
- 5 tablespoons Oil Olive
Instructions
- Clean and finely slice the onions.
- In a pan, soften the onions with three tablespoons of oil over moderate heat without letting them color.
- Cut the pitted black olives in half.
- Work the pizza dough with two tablespoons of oil until completely absorbed.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin until it's about two to three centimeters thick.
- Evenly distribute the softened onions, anchovy pieces, capers, and black olives on the rolled-out dough.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and seal the edges well.
- Preheat the oven to 240 degrees Celsius.
- Grease a baking tray with some oil and place the prepared calzone on it, brushing the surface with more olive oil.
- Bake the calzone in the middle of the preheated oven and cook for about fifteen minutes or until desired golden brown.
Notes
Variations for a Traditional and Tasty Puglian Calzone Recipe
Here are some ways to personalize your Puglian calzone:
- Add some cooked or raw ham for an extra punch of flavor.
- Swap out the onions for roasted peppers for a sweeter alternative.
- Use provolone or mozzarella cheese instead of anchovies for a milder variation.
- Experiment with adding porcini mushrooms for a richer, earthier taste.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recipe
If you have any questions about making Puglian Calzone, you’ll find answers to your most common curiosities here.
How can I make the filling fresher and more balanced?
To add freshness to the filling, you can enrich it with halved cherry tomatoes. This will give it a slight acidity that balances out the sweetness of the onions.
