Classic Italian Panzerotti Food

BEST PANZEROTTI RECIPE

Steps:

• Whisk together yeast, sugar and warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• Mix together flour and salt. Add oil, yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough just begins to come together. Let the dough rise for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
• While the dough is rising, you can make the panzerotti filling.
• In a medium mixing bowl, mix together tomatoes, cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• After the dough is ready, divide it into 6 pieces.
• Press down the ball with your palm. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
• Add about 2 tablespoons of filling and 3-4 pepperoni to each piece.
• Brush the edges of the dough with water and fold the dough to create a semi-circle.
• Pinch the edges to seal the pocket. Repeat the process for the rest of the dough.
• Pour oil (about 1 inch) into a deep skillet and heat the oil to 350°.
• Once hot, add a few panzerotti pockets to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, turning every minute until both sides are golden brown. (Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.)
• Use a slotted spoon to remove panzerotti and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve and enjoy!

PANZEROTTI

Steps:

• Pour enough canola or vegetable oil into a large Dutch oven to come 4 to 5 inches up the sides. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the edge of the pan. Place over medium-high heat and bring to 365 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, place the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, add the tomato puree and cook until bubbling and most water has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Dice the mozzarella and place in a strainer to remove any excess liquid. Set aside.
• Dust a work surface with flour. Roll the pizza dough out until it is 1/4 inch thick. Using a 4- to 5-inch biscuit cutter, cut out rounds. Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons cooled tomato puree on one half of a round. Top with a basil leaf and 1 tablespoon mozzarella. Fold the other half of the round over to enclose the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Continue until all dough is filled and sealed. (At this point you can freeze the panzerotti for up to a month.)
• Drop 2 to 3 panzerotti into the preheated oil and fry until golden, flipping them frequently, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them on a plate lined with paper towels. Continue until all the panzerotti are cooked. Sprinkle with salt. Eat them hot!