You may be used to the large, pizzeria-size version of calzones, but I’m offering you this more typical Neapolitan version. Once you have the knack of making and filling the dough, the rest is easy. You can put whatever you like inside. Just make sure the fillings are drained of most of their excess liquid—the way I drain the ricotta overnight or squeeze the excess moisture from the spinach.
Recipe information
Yield
makes about fifteen 4-inch calzones
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Line a sieve with a double thickness of cheesecloth or a basket-type coffee filter. Dump the ricotta in and set the sieve over a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to 1 day. Discard the drained liquid.
Step 2
Prepare the pizza dough. It isn’t necessary to divide the dough before the second rising.
Step 3
Slice the leeks crosswise, 1/2 inch thick. In a large, deep skillet or braising pan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the spinach a large handful at a time, waiting for each handful to wilt somewhat before adding the next. Continue cooking until the spinach is completely wilted and all the liquid is evaporated, about 4 minutes. Drain in a colander, pressing lightly to remove excess liquid. Stir the drained ricotta and mozzarella together in a bowl until blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Place one oven rack in the lowest position and the second rack in the upper third of the oven. Center a baking stone, if using, over the lower rack. Preheat the oven to 450° F. If not using a baking stone, sprinkle two large baking sheets generously with coarse cornmeal.
Step 5
Divide the dough in half. Working with one half at a time, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles and reserve the unused dough. Spread 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in an even layer over half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Top the cheese with about 1 tablespoon of the spinach and leeks. Brush the edges of the circles with water and fold the uncovered dough over the spinach-cheese filling. Seal the edges by pressing firmly with the tips of fork tines or by plaiting the edges. Poke holes into the top of each calzone several times with a fork. Brush the tops of the calzones with olive oil. Let stand until slightly puffed, about 15 minutes.
To bake the calzones on a baking stone
Step 6
Sprinkle a pizza peel or perfectly flat baking sheet generously with cornmeal. Place three or four of the calzones on the prepared peel and slide them onto one side of the stone, leaving some space between them. Repeat with a second round of three or four calzones. Bake the calzones until lightly browned on the underside, about 8 minutes. Transfer the calzones directly to the upper rack and continue baking until deep golden brown, about 20 minutes. Start baking a second batch on the stone once you remove the first batch.
To bake the calzones on baking sheets
Step 7
Transfer the calzones to lightly oiled baking sheets. Bake, rotating the pans side to side and shelf to shelf, halfway through cooking, until the calzones are golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Step 8
Baked either way, let stand at least 10 minutes before serving. They are also delicious at room temperature.
