Consuming Passions - Worldwide Events Managers

Calzone - The Italian Pastie

Serves:

Notes

Makes 2 calzone and serves six as a main meal

Ingredients

• 500 g bread dough which has been proved for an hour (see recipes in Baking)
• 1 small low fat mozzarella cheese (or packet of grated mozzarella)
• 350 g lean ham
• 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
• 1 Tbsp fresh oregano (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano)
• Olive oil to lubricate pan

Method

To prepare the filling, chop the ham into small cubes, or if it is bought sliced, cut into strips. Chop the mozzarella into similar small cubes, unless you are using grated packet mozzarella, which will do just as well. Put both into mixing bowl with nutmeg and finely chopped oregano and toss together. To assemble calzone, smear a little olive oil over baking tray (such as a pizza tray), knead a dough and cut into halves. Roll out one piece of dough until it is big enough to cover a dinner plate. Put on oiled baking tray and add half the ham and cheese mix to one side leaving some space where the dough will seal. Fold other side of dough over the mixture and press the dough together to make a bond. Rub a little plain flour over the top to add a little character. And that’s it! Ready for the oven. You may also put some fresh herbs on the tray when it goes into the oven. The flavours will gently travel into the calzone during baking. Repeat the process with the other piece of dough and remaining mixture. Bake in hot oven at about 220°C for about 30 minutes. The calzone will tell you when they are ready by sending fantastic aromas wafting through the kitchen. Serve with a huge salad.