Pizza has been a popular dish worldwide since its inception in ancient Italy. The pie-shaped slices covered with tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings have become a go-to meal for people craving comfort food. However, pizza has taken up many forms globally, from Chicago-style deep-dish to New York-style thin crust, and one such variation is the calzone.
Many pizza enthusiasts argue whether a calzone is a pizza turnover or not. A calzone is a folded over pizza stuffed with cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauce. Although calzones are commonly considered a cuisine in their right, there is still an ongoing debate about whether or not they are pizza. In this article, we will explore what a calzone is and the differences that make it distinct from pizza.
What is a calzone?
A calzone is a type of Italian oven-baked turnover that originated in Naples, Italy. It is essentially a closed pizza that is folded in half and filled with a variety of toppings such as cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce. The word “calzone” actually translates to “trouser” in Italian, which is fitting since the folded dough resembles a pair of pants.
The calzone is similar to a pizza in terms of its dough and filling ingredients, but it is baked in a different way. Unlike a pizza, which is baked flat with toppings spread evenly across the surface, a calzone is folded over and sealed around the edges to create a pocket of ingredients. The dough is slightly thicker than a traditional pizza dough to support the weight of the fillings, and it is often brushed with olive oil or tomato sauce for added flavor.
How is a calzone different from a pizza turnover?
A pizza turnover and a calzone may look similar, but they have some essential differences. The major difference between the two is the thickness of their dough. A calzone has a much thicker dough, almost double the thickness of a pizza turnover. Moreover, the fillings of the two differ noticeably.
A pizza turnover’s fillings are quite similar to most pizza toppings and usually contain cheese, pepperoni, or sausage. On the other hand, the traditional calzone fillings include cheese, vegetables, and meat or fish. The ingredients used for a calzone are more versatile than those for a pizza turnover. So, even though a calzone can be classified as a type of pizza turnover, it is much heartier and has different texture and flavors, making it a unique and delicious Italian dish on its own.
The origins of calzone and pizza turnover.
The origin of the calzone and pizza turnover is a matter of debate among Italian food experts. Some believe that calzone has its roots in Naples, Italy, where pizza first originated. It is thought that the calzone was invented as a convenient way to transport and eat pizza, particularly for workers who needed to eat on the go. The folded pizza was easy to carry and could be filled with a range of toppings, making it a satisfying and filling meal.
Others suggest that the pizza turnover, known as a stromboli, was actually the precursor to the calzone. Stromboli was invented in the United States in the 1950s and is filled with various toppings such as cheese, vegetables, and meat. It is believed to have been named after the eponymous Italian island, which is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Regardless of its origins, both the calzone and pizza turnover continue to be popular with food lovers all over the world.
What are the ingredients of a calzone?
Calzones are a variation of pizzas that are commonly eaten in Italy and other parts of the world. The ingredients of a calzone typically include flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil, mixed together to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out and stuffed with various ingredients, including ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, ham, salami, pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, and herbs.
Once the ingredients have been added to the dough, the calzone is typically folded over and sealed, forming a crescent-shaped package. The calzone is then baked in a hot oven until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Some recipes call for additional toppings or sauces to be added to the calzone after it has been baked, while others prefer to keep the filling simple and classic. Regardless of the specific ingredients used, calzones are a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional pizzas and are enjoyed by people all over the world.
What are the ingredients of a pizza turnover?
Pizza turnovers, also known as pizza pockets, are made with similar ingredients as a traditional pizza. The outer layer is made of pizza dough and filled with mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. Some pizza turnovers also include ricotta and parmesan cheese for added flavor.
The ingredients of a pizza turnover can be customized based on personal preference, making it a versatile and convenient meal option. They can be baked, fried, or grilled for a crispy and delicious treat. Overall, a pizza turnover is a great choice for those who enjoy the flavors of pizza but want a more portable and easy-to-eat option.
The debate over whether a calzone is a pizza turnover.
The debate over whether a calzone is a pizza turnover has been going on for years and there are arguments for both sides. Some people believe that a calzone is a type of pizza turnover because it is made with pizza dough and contains similar ingredients as a pizza. However, others argue that a calzone is not a pizza turnover because it is not a type of pie that is filled and folded in the same way as a traditional pizza turnover.
Those who argue that a calzone is a pizza turnover believe that it is essentially a folded pizza that has been filled with traditional pizza toppings. They note that it is made with the same dough, sauce, and cheese as a pizza, and that it has a similar flavor profile. However, those who argue against the categorization of a calzone as a pizza turnover suggest that the filling of a calzone is not evenly distributed like that of a pizza turnover, and that the folding technique used for a calzone is different from that of a traditional pizza turnover. Ultimately, the debate over whether a calzone is a pizza turnover may never be resolved because it is largely a matter of personal opinion and interpretation.
The verdict: Is a calzone a pizza turnover?
After discussing the similarities and differences between calzones and pizza turnovers, all evidence points to the conclusion that a calzone is indeed a type of pizza turnover. Both dishes consist of dough filled with savory ingredients and folded in a half-moon shape. While calzones are typically larger and often stuffed with ricotta cheese, pizza turnovers tend to be smaller and filled with more traditional pizza toppings like sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
For those who argue that calzones are their own unique dish, it is important to note that the term “pizza turnover” is not a widely recognized culinary term. Instead, it is simply a descriptive term for a turnover made with pizza ingredients. As such, it is logical to include calzones under this umbrella term. Ultimately, while there may be some debate amongst pizza purists, most people would agree that calzones are a type of pizza turnover.
Verdict
In essence, calzone and pizza turnover are similar in their fillings and dough, but their defining characteristic is the way the dough is folded. A calzone has its ingredients enclosed within the dough, while a pizza turnover is folded over like a sandwich.
Despite debates on whether a calzone is considered a pizza turnover, one thing is clear: both offer a delicious and satisfying way of enjoying pizza. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the individual’s interpretation of what a pizza turnover is. Whether you enjoy a crispy and cheesy calzone or a savory pizza turnover, both can be enjoyed as tasty alternatives to traditional pizza.