Shrimp Calzones

Shrimp Calzones

Shrimp Calzones

Shrimp calzones are a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, offering a delicious pocket of savory goodness filled with succulent shrimp, creamy cheese, and vibrant vegetables. These handheld delights are perfect for a casual dinner, lunch, or even as an appetizer for gatherings and parties.

With a golden, flaky crust encasing a flavorful filling, shrimp calzones are not only satisfying but also versatile; you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. This recipe combines the sweetness of shrimp with aromatic herbs, rich cheese, and a hint of spice, making each bite irresistible.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (red, green, or yellow)
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

For Serving:

  • Marinara sauce (for dipping)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

How to Make Shrimp Calzones:

Prepare the Dough:

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.

Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until they are softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the shrimp and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes.

Stir in the chopped spinach and Italian seasoning, cooking until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Add the shrimp and vegetable mixture to the cheese mixture, folding to combine evenly.

Assemble the Calzones:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let them rest for a few minutes.

On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a 6–8 inch circle. Make sure the edges are slightly thicker than the center to hold the filling.

Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edge.

Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for an extra decorative touch. Place the calzones on the prepared baking sheet.

Egg Wash and Bake:

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the calzones to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.

Cut a few small slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the calzones are golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

Once baked, remove the calzones from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Cut them in half to reveal the delicious filling inside.

Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor.

Chef’s Note: These shrimp calzones are highly customizable. You can swap out the shrimp for other proteins like chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to the filling for added flavor and texture.

For a spicy kick, consider adding a few jalapeño slices or using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. If you want to enhance the flavor further, marinate the shrimp in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.

The dough can also be made in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Nutritional Information (per calzone, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 30% of DV
  • Calcium: 20% of DV
  • Iron: 10% of DV

Shrimp calzones offer a delicious balance of protein and carbohydrates, making them a satisfying meal option. The shrimp provides lean protein, while the cheese adds richness and flavor. Combined with fresh vegetables, these calzones are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Enjoy these shrimp calzones as a hearty meal any night of the week, or impress your guests with this delightful dish at your next gathering. With their crispy crust and flavorful filling, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household!

Thanks for visiting Shrimps Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *