- Can I use dried herbs?
- You can, but the experience won't be the same. The water content and essential oils of fresh herbs give this recipe its freshness. If you must use dried, use one-third the amount.
- Why was the filling watery?
- Ricotta often releases whey. It's worth straining it before use.
Herb & Ricotta Calzone
The soul of Mediterranean cuisine lies in the use of fresh herbs. In this recipe, they are not just garnish but the main event: the essential oils of basil, parsley, and oregano steam inside the closed dough, infusing the soft ricotta. It's true aromatherapy on a plate.
Ingredients
4
cups
All-Purpose Flour
1
packet
Active Dry Yeast (0.25 oz)
1 1/4
cups
Warm Water
2
tsp
Salt
2
tbsp
Olive Oil
2
cups
Shredded Mozzarella
1
cup
Ricotta Cheese
1/3
oz
Fresh Basil
1/3
oz
Fresh Parsley
1/6
oz
Fresh Oregano
2
cloves
Garlic
1
large
Egg (for wash)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Large bowl for kneading
- Sharp knife for chopping
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Allergen Information
Wheat
Egg
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Make dough from flour, water, yeast, oil, and salt. Knead until smooth, then let rise for 1 hour.
Tip: Thorough kneading ensures dough elasticity so it won't tear when rolled.
2
✓
Finely chop the fresh herbs and garlic. Mix with the ricotta and shredded mozzarella.
Tip: Chop herbs right before use so they don't oxidize (turn brown) and retain their aroma.
3
✓
Roll out 4 circles from the dough. Pile filling on half, fold over, and seal edges.
Tip: Leave a 1/2-inch clean border, otherwise, the oily filling prevents the dough from sticking.
4
✓
Brush with egg and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Tip: The hot oven quickly puffs up the dough, creating the calzone's signature chubby shape.
5
✓
Rest briefly before serving.
Tip: This allows cheeses to cool slightly and set, making it easier to slice.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (0.25 oz)
- 1 1/4 cups Warm Water
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1/3 oz Fresh Basil
- 1/3 oz Fresh Parsley
- 1/6 oz Fresh Oregano
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 large Egg (for wash)