Forget everything you thought you knew about calzones. This recipe elevates the classic Italian comfort food to a vibrant, flavorful, and entirely plant-based masterpiece. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant pesto, and a perfectly crisp crust, these vegan calzones are guaranteed to become a new favorite. We'll explore everything from crafting the perfect dough to assembling and baking these delicious pockets of goodness. Get ready for a culinary adventure!
What Makes This Vegan Calzone Recipe Special?
This recipe isn't just another vegan calzone; it's a celebration of flavor and texture. We're using high-quality ingredients to create a truly exceptional experience:
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These intensely flavorful gems bring a burst of sweetness and umami that perfectly complements the pesto.
- Homemade pesto: While store-bought works in a pinch, nothing beats the fresh, vibrant flavor of homemade pesto. We'll guide you through a simple recipe.
- Perfectly crisp crust: We’ll detail techniques to ensure your calzones have that golden-brown, satisfyingly crispy crust.
- Versatile filling: Feel free to customize the filling to your liking! Add artichoke hearts, roasted vegetables, or your favorite vegan cheeses.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (around 105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- ½ cup vegan pesto (recipe below)
- ½ cup vegan mozzarella shreds (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Making Your Vegan Calzone Dream a Reality
1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Crafting the Pesto:
- Combine basil, pine nuts (or walnuts), and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms.
- Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Assembling the Calzones:
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half.
- Roll out each half into a 10-12 inch circle.
- Spread half of the pesto evenly over each circle.
- Sprinkle with sun-dried tomatoes, vegan mozzarella (if using), and fresh basil.
- Fold the dough in half, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges decoratively with a fork.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
4. Baking to Perfection:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the calzones for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the crust is crispy.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto will work well in this recipe, although homemade pesto offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
Feel free to get creative! Roasted red peppers, spinach, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and caramelized onions would all be delicious additions.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the calzones for 10 minutes before adding the filling and baking for the remaining time.
How do I store leftover calzones?
Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze these calzones?
Yes! Unbaked calzones can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Enjoy your delicious vegan calzones! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out.
