Veggie calzones

I made these the other day and I am really pleased I did. I was actually about to make pizza but because I didn't have any mozzarella cheese I just opted for doing the calzones instead.

They turned out really good. I used soy chorizo, which I love, that I got at Trader Joe's. It may sound gross but it is really really good. I also used frozen spinach and provolone cheese but you can use what ever filling you prefer. Calzones are very versatile...pretty much the sky is the limit.

I also used my pizza dough recipe which worked really good. If you are used to or not afraid of making pizza dough this is just fun and easy to do. You can even buy the pizza dough already made if you prefer.

I actually had some leftover dough so I did refrigerate it and used two days later for a pizza :-)

Anyhow, I hope you try this and if you do let me know

Enjoy!!

This is the soy chorizo I used which I bought at Trader Joe's. We just love it!!

I use soy chorizo, frozen spinach thawed out and drain and provolone cheese. You can use any filling of your choice.

Before baking and after baking pictures. I baked them on a pizza stone but you can use a baking sheet previously lined with parchment paper.

Ingredients

Dough Makes 7-8 large calzones, I actually made 5 and refrigerated the rest for a pizza I made 2 days later

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups lukewarm water, plus 3-6 tablespoons
1 teaspoon gluten, you can omit this if you don't have it
1 1/3 cups bread flour, all purpose flour will work as well
3 cups whole wheat pastry flour, you can use all 4 1/3 cup whole wheat, I have before
3/4 teaspoon salt
Dry spices such as oregano, basil and rosemary,  I used Cajun

Filling

16 oz bag frozen chopped spinach, thawed out and drained
12 oz soy chorizo
2-3 slices of provolone cheese per calzone, Mozzarella cheese also works, I just didn't have any

In a bowl mix in the dough ingredients. Knead to make a smooth dough. It will take about 5 minutes. I do this process by hand (you can use your mixer, I just don't have one, never cared for one really, I do my mixes the old fashion way)

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a cloth, and let rise until very puffy, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425°F. If not using a pizza stone line a baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Divide the dough into 8 portions and spread each portion of the dough into a rectangle/oval on a lightly floured surface.In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach and soy. Place 2-3 slices on the cheese over the calzone and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of te soy mixture onto each piece of dough.

Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal the calzone. Transfer each calzone to the baking sheet. You can brush the top of each calzone with some olive oil and sprinkle with spices, I didn't do this.

Bake for about 15– 18 minutes or until golden on top and cooked through.