Definition:
A Brooklyn pizza calzone, a cousin of the traditional calzone, is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the spirit of Brooklyn-style pizza in a handheld delight. What sets it apart is its hearty, fold-over crust filled with a delectable combination of ingredients, reminiscent of the flavors found in the iconic pizzas of Brooklyn, New York. This calzone is a savory treat, with a crispy exterior giving way to a gooey, cheesy interior bursting with flavorful toppings.
Ingredients:
The typical ingredients found in a Brooklyn pizza calzone include pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. However, what distinguishes a Brooklyn pizza calzone are the high-quality ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors. The dough is often hand-stretched and tossed to achieve that characteristic thin, yet chewy crust that Brooklyn pizza is known for. The sauce is rich and tangy, complementing the savory meats and vegetables, while the cheese is gooey and stringy, binding everything together in each mouthful.
Preparation:
Making a Brooklyn pizza calzone is a labor of love, but the result is well worth the effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Dough: Start by making or purchasing fresh pizza dough. Divide it into portions and roll each portion into a thin round shape, about 8-10 inches in diameter.
Layer the Fillings: Spread a generous layer of marinara sauce onto one half of each dough round, leaving a border around the edges. Layer on the mozzarella cheese, followed by the pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the dough over the fillings to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal in the fillings, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the calzones to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice each calzone in half and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Tricks:
To elevate your Brooklyn pizza calzone experience, try these tips and tricks:
Experiment with different toppings and fillings to create your unique flavor combinations, such as adding roasted garlic, fresh basil, or spicy jalapenos.
For a crispier crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven and bake the calzones directly on the stone.
Don’t overstuff your calzones, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Aim for a balanced filling-to-dough ratio.
History & Origin:
The Brooklyn pizza calzone traces its roots back to the Italian-American communities of Brooklyn, where traditional Italian recipes were adapted to suit local tastes. While the exact origin of the Brooklyn pizza calzone is unclear, it likely emerged as a variation of the classic Neapolitan calzone, influenced by the vibrant culinary scene of Brooklyn in the mid-20th century. Today, it remains a beloved staple of Brooklyn pizzerias and is enjoyed by pizza enthusiasts around the world.
Best Brooklyn Pizza Calzones:
Here are some popular restaurants, pizzerias, and delivery services known for their exceptional Brooklyn pizza calzones:
Di Fara Pizza – A Brooklyn institution known for its legendary pizza and calzones, made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria – Famous for its coal-fired brick oven pizzas, Grimaldi’s also offers a mouthwatering calzone stuffed with savory toppings and gooey cheese.
Lucali – This cozy Carroll Gardens pizzeria serves up some of the best calzones in Brooklyn, featuring a thin, crispy crust and a deliciously melty filling.
Juliana’s Pizza – Founded by the original owner of Grimaldi’s, Juliana’s offers a classic Brooklyn-style calzone that’s sure to satisfy your pizza cravings.
Recipes:
Brooklyn Pizza Calzone
Ingredients:
1 pound pizza dough
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions:
Follow the preparation and assembly steps outlined above.
Bake the calzones in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Location Finder: Use online restaurant directories or food delivery apps to find restaurants or delivery options offering Brooklyn pizza calzones near you.
Reviews and Ratings: Check online review platforms like Yelp or Google Reviews for user feedback and ratings on different places offering Brooklyn pizza calzones.
Deals and Promotions: Keep an eye out for special offers, coupons, or deals available for Brooklyn pizza calzones, often promoted by local pizzerias and delivery services to attract customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brooklyn pizza calzone is a culinary gem that encapsulates the flavors and spirit of Brooklyn-style pizza in a convenient handheld package. Whether enjoyed at a local pizzeria or homemade in your kitchen, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
FAQs
Is a calzone better than a pizza?
It depends on personal preference. Calzones offer a different eating experience with their enclosed dough, which some may prefer for its portability and neatness. However, pizza enthusiasts might argue that the open-faced nature of pizza allows for better flavor distribution and customization.
Is inside out pizza the same as calzone?
While both inside out pizza and calzone involve dough enclosing ingredients, they differ in preparation and ingredients. Inside out pizza typically features dough with toppings sandwiched between layers, resembling a stuffed sandwich. Calzones, on the other hand, are folded over to encase toppings within the dough.
What’s the difference between a calzone and a panzerotti?
Calzones and panzerotti are similar in concept, both being stuffed dough dishes. However, calzones are typically larger and folded over, resembling a half-moon or a pocket, while panzerotti are smaller, usually fried, and resemble a small turnover. Additionally, the fillings may vary between the two.