Authentic Italian Stromboli Food

STROMBOLI

Steps:

• For the pizza dough: Add the yeast, 1 cup warm water and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook. Let the mixture sit to allow the yeast to activate. The mixture should start foaming and forming small bubbles on the surface, 10 minutes. Gradually add the flour with the mixer on low speed. Add the olive oil and salt. Continue to mix on low and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Increase the speed as the flour becomes incorporated, and knead on medium speed, 7 to 8 minutes. The dough is done when it comes together as a single mass.
• Remove the dough from the mixer and knead 4 to 5 times on a lightly-floured surface so the dough is smooth and consistent. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic and allow to sit until the dough rises and doubles in volume, 1 hour.
• For the filling: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Divide the dough in half and, working with one piece at a time, stretch the dough into a 10-by-13-inch rectangle. Arrange the dough rectangle so the 13-inch-long side is closest to you. Brush the surface with half of the melted butter, then spread the minced garlic out evenly over the top, remembering to split the filling ingredient quantities evenly across both stromboli. Leave a 1-inch border around the far and side borders.
• Sprinkle the dough with the Parmesan, then layer with the salami slices. Top the salami with a layer of deli ham and then a layer of bresaola. Shingle the cheese slices over the top and finish with fresh basil and some ground black pepper. With the covered edge closest to you, roll the dough up into a log, gently sealing the ends of the roll as you go. When you get to the end that has no filling on it, gently press to seal, then place the roll seam-side down on a nonstick sheet tray. Repeat the process with second piece of dough. Brush the tops of the dough with the remaining melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake in the center of the oven until golden brown and puffy, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Allow the stromboli to cool 5 minutes before slicing it into thick slices with a serrated knife. Serve with the Marinara Sauce on the side or some mustard.
• Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until the garlic is almost brown, another 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer, 20 minutes.
• Add the basil and oregano, and continue to simmer to thoroughly marry the flavors, 20 minutes longer. Puree the mixture with a stick blender, food mill or food processor. Season with salt and pepper. Yield: Makes 1 quart.

ITALIAN STROMBOLI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°. Unroll dough on a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 14x12-in. rectangle; sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to within 1/2 in. of edges. Layer with salami, ham and pimientos. , Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting from a short side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. , Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Cut with a serrated knife. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

ITALIAN SAUSAGE STROMBOLI (AKA SAUSAGE BREAD)

Steps:

• Lay pizza dough on a lightly floured surface so it can rest.
• Slice Italian sausage into 1/2 inch slices; fry in a 10" skillet over medium heat until browned, about 10 minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup water, peppers and onions; bring to boil and cover.
• Reduce heat to low and cook about 5-10 minutes more, or until veggies are tender and sausage is heated through.
• Drain liquid from skillet and sprinkle sausage mixture with Italian seasoning; set aside.
• ***If you have leftover sausage, onions and peppers, like I did, you just need to warm it up***.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
• Roll pizza dough (on a lightly floured counter) into a rectangle, approximately 11 x 17.
• Sprinkle with sausage mixture, then the cheeses.
• Start at the bottom of the long side and roll jellyroll fashion, stopping occasionally to stuff sides it. When you get to the end, pinch seam together, trying to squeeze air out as you go.
• Place seam side down on baking sheet; bake for about 25 minutes at 375 degrees.
• Remove from oven and lay a clean dish towel on top of loaf; this will allow the crust to soften up and it will be easier to slice and eat.
• After about 10 minutes or so, slice into 1 inch slices. Serve with warmed sauce for dipping, if desired.
• Enjoy!