A Delicious and Easy Guide to Savory Italian Pockets in Just 40 Minutes!
There’s something truly magical about a homemade meal that’s fun to prepare and even more delightful to eat, especially when it's a dish that brings the whole family together in the kitchen. Classic Chorizo, Rocket & Preserved Lemon Calzones are exactly that a savory Italian pocket of joy that combines bold flavors with simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy families who want to cook a delicious, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it's a fantastic way to involve your kids in the cooking process!
The balance of spicy chorizo, peppery rocket, and tangy preserved lemon creates a unique taste that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the dough is easy to work with, making it a fun and interactive meal for kids to shape their own calzones. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
With an estimated cooking time of just 40 minutes, these calzones offer a speedy and satisfying way to make lasting memories with your little ones. So, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients List:
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. This list ensures everything’s ready for you to create the perfect calzones with your kids:
- For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb (about 225g) chorizo sausage (crumbled)
- 1 cup rocket (arugula), roughly chopped
- 1 preserved lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Egg Wash (optional):
- 1 egg, beaten (for a golden crust) or dairy-free milk for a vegan option
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by making the dough, which is the foundation of your calzones. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast dissolves, then let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate and form bubbles.
Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into a larger bowl with the flour and salt. Add the olive oil, then mix everything together until the dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This is a great time to have your kids help with setting the timer and watching the dough "grow"!
Step 2: Cook the Chorizo Filling
While the dough is rising, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled chorizo and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then set the chorizo aside to cool slightly.
This is a fun time to let the kids stir and watch the chorizo sizzle! They’ll love helping you keep an eye on the pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Once the chorizo is cooked, combine it in a mixing bowl with the chopped rocket, preserved lemon slices, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese (if using). Stir everything together until well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste, then set it aside.
Step 4: Shape the Calzones
Now comes the fun part – shaping the calzones! Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a small circle, about 6 inches in diameter.
Let your kids get involved by rolling out their own dough circles! It’s a great opportunity for them to practice their fine motor skills.
Step 5: Fill the Calzones
Place a generous spoonful of the chorizo filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a pocket, and pinch the edges together to seal. Use a fork to press the edges further, ensuring they’re tightly sealed so the filling doesn’t spill out while baking.
As you seal the edges, encourage your kids to decorate the edges with the fork or even shape their own unique designs.
Step 6: Bake the Calzones
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the filled and sealed calzones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the calzones with the beaten egg wash (or dairy-free milk for a vegan version) for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake the calzones for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. While they bake, let your kids watch the magic happen through the oven door – they’ll love seeing their hard work transform into golden, delicious pockets!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the calzones are ready, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. These calzones are perfect on their own, or you can serve them with a side salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks for added freshness.
Estimated Cooking & Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
This recipe is quick, fun, and perfect for a busy family dinner! With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can easily fit this into your evening routine without sacrificing flavor or fun. Your kids will love getting involved, and you’ll love the fact that the entire meal is ready in no time.
Nutritional Information (Per Calzone):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
These calzones are packed with protein from the chorizo and mozzarella, as well as fiber from the rocket and preserved lemon. The richness of the dough and filling makes for a satisfying meal, perfect for fueling little bodies after a busy day of school and play.
This Classic Chorizo, Rocket & Preserved Lemon Calzone recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, savory meal with your kids while introducing them to the joys of cooking. From measuring ingredients to rolling out dough and creating their own stuffed pockets, the process is interactive and exciting for young chefs.
Serve these calzones with a simple salad or some roasted veggies on the side for a complete, wholesome meal. Don’t forget to save any leftovers for lunch the next day they reheat beautifully!
Try this recipe with your family and let me know how it goes in the comments! I'd love to hear about your variations or the fun moments you had together in the kitchen. Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes a go-to recipe in your household, just like it has in mine.
If you loved this recipe, make sure to subscribe for more quick family-friendly ideas, follow us on social media for daily cooking tips, and share this recipe with other parents who might enjoy it. Cooking with my boys always brings a smile to our kitchen. I hope you and your family enjoy these calzones as much as we do!
