Mini Calzone Snack - Vegetarian Recipe

Mini Calzone Snack – Vegetarian Recipe (hot pockets of cheese, veggies) for all the pizzaholics, cheesoholics, it’s the food, you wouldn’t like to share or you might fight for last bite. The last one left ( from my bake ) was divided into four equal parts, with so much of the reasoning and arguing on the table. LOL

These calzones are closed pockets of pizza, stuffed with the Mexican style spiced veggies and cheese; lot of cheese. When baked to perfection, these calzones have a crisp crust with the creamy goodness of cheese that melts in and runs through the veggies when baked. This is awesome & delicious.

I personally think calzone is a non-messy way to enjoy a pizza. Especially if you have kids, grab a few with you in the car when you know the drive is long and you have hungry kids sitting at the back seat. These calzones also make a good make-ahead meal that I often make a double batch. Some get eaten right away and the rest (assembled, but not baked, covered) go in the freezer for lunch emergencies or quick before dinners snack times.

Calzone recipe is a very versatile; fill in the pockets with the filling of you choice or whatever you have lying around in the fridge. They will taste delicious, just add in the cheese and create your own masterpiece.

Few points to read as usual :

1. I went with a bit advanced planning and kneaded my calzone dough a night before. That made my morning work easy and my calzone taste better. Try doing the same. However, if not done a night before, you can keep the kneaded dough at a warm area in the kitchen for 1 or 2 hours (or until the dough is double in size).

2. I think for the filling, simple combinations really do work best. Don’t overfill your calzone, less is truly better. Too full and it’s likely to leak. However some people like that oozed out cheese, when it gets a bit crispy.

3. Before baking, brush the crust with an egg white wash (optional) or olive oil. An egg white wash will give the calzones a satiny finish. Olive oil will make the crust browner and crisper.

3. This post I went a way ahead, you don’t have to do the same. I made three different dips for the same calzones. The beetroot dip, Hung curd dip and the green peas dip. The three are super delicious and are very easy to make. You can make them with some other snacks as well. Quinoa appetizers , cheese biscuits Dominos Garlic Breadsticks Chouquette choux pastry Puff Pastry – Cheese Twist and many more.

Note: All three dips are very healthy and are very easy to prepare.

Hung curd dip recipe Ingredients

1. One cup of hung curd

2. One clove of garlic minced (use a very small grater or a microplane)

3. 2 tablespoons of sugar

4. Juice of half a lime

5. Thyme or Oregano

6. Salt to taste

Method

Use a whisk to beat the curd till smooth, add in all the ingredients and mix. Try the dip before you serve, and balance the seasoning accordingly.

Green peas and mint dip

Green peas dip Ingredients

1. Half a cup of green peas boiled

2. Half a cup of fresh mint leaves

3. 1 tablespoons of sesame seeds

4. Few pistachio (5-6)

5. 3 tablespoons of olive oil

6. One clove of garlic

7. Juice of one lemon

8. Salt and pepper to taste

9. Red chilly flakes (Optional)

10. 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (optional)

Method

In a mixer grind the pistachio first and then add all the ingredients. Adjust the seasoning before you serve the dip. Add the mayonnaise, if you are looking for more creaminess. You can strain the prepared dip for a very smooth texture. Drizzle a little olive oil on the top before you serve.

Beetroot dip

Beetroot Dip Ingredients

1. One big beetroot grated

2. 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

3. Juice of half lemon

4. 3 tablespoons of sugar

5. 1 teaspoon of cumin powder

6. 1 tablespoon of chat masala

7. Salt to taste

Method

In a saucepan cook all the ingredients together for 2 to 3 minutes. When done remove from the heat and blend in the mixer. Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning. When prepared, pass through a strainer for a smooth texture.

These are good healthy dips to enjoy with any kind of snacks: If you want to know more about some more homemade sauces Here is a link to Subway Sauces that are very easy to prepare at home.