Vegan Calzone Food

VEGAN VEGGIE CALZONE

Steps:

• Make sure to prepare the pizza dough in advance according to directions in the recipe. You will only use half of it ( 4 dough balls) and you can freeze the rest for later. (If freezing it you can do this right after kneading it, no need to proof it first).
• Rinse and slice the peppers into thin slices, discard the core and the seeds. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt and toss to coat.
• Heat up a cast iron skillet on medium low flame and quickly saute the pepper and scallions together until nice little char marks start to form, a few minutes. Transfer them to a bowl and mix with the sliced spinach. Set aside until ready to use.
• (If using any store bought vegan meatballs, sausages or chicken make sure to cook it first before adding it to the calzone)
• Sprinkle some flour on a board board or kitchen counter and place the pizza dough on top. Sprinkle more flour on top and using the palm of your hand gently press each dough ball down to form a circle. Sprinkle more flour if needed so the dough doesn't stick. (do not knead the dough at this point)
• Use a fork to gently poke the dough in a few spots so it won't puff up while cooking.
• Spoon some of the tomato sauce over half of the dough, sprinkle with some of the vegan cheese and some of the pepper scallion mixture or your favorite fillings. Sprinkle with more cheese and gently fold over the dough to create a pocket.
• Gently pull the bottom of the dough to fold over the top as in creating a nice seal of the pocket all around.
• Preheat a large cast iron griddle or grill pan on medium heat and gently transfer the calzone to the hot grill. ( you should be able to slide them right off of the board you were working on or using a large spatula).
• Cook for a few minutes on each side until nice grill marks form. Use a spatula to flip the calzone and repeat the above process until all calzone pockets are done. Allow them to cool off for a few minutes for the cheese to set before cutting into them.

VEGAN CALZONES

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, stir together the yeast, sugar and 1/4 cup of the water lightly with a fork. Ideally the water should be about 110°F Set aside and let it bloom, 5-10 minutes.
• While the yeast is blooming, measure of the rest of the water, and the flour. Add the salt and seasonings on top of the flour. Grate the soy cheese and set aside. It melts better when it has a chance to come to room temperature.
• Add 2 cups of the flour, half of the water, and 1 tbsp of the olive oil to the mixing bowl and begin to work together into a dough. Add the water slowly and the flour about 1/2 cup at a time until you have a smooth ball. You may need a bit more water. Keep the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean cloth and set aside for about 20-30 minutes to let the dough rise.
• While the dough rises, chop your vegetables and add to a smaller mixing bowl.
• Heat the canola oil in a pan over medium heat and add the pepperoni. Cook for a few minutes on each side until browned and crispy around the edges. Move to a few layered paper towels to drain off the excess oil and add to the vegetables.
• Next, add the soy cheese and sauce and stir well to combine.
• Preheat the oven to 400F and lightly oil two cookie sheets.
• Clear a work surface and dust with flour. Punch down the dough and gently kneed it a couple of times in the bowl. Cut the dough in half or into fourths. One at a time, roll out the balls into an oval shape. If you're making large calzones, roll the dough a bit thicker. If you're making smaller ones, you can roll it thinner as it doesn't have as much stuffing to support. Once the dough is rolled out, add some of the filling to one side, gently fold the dough over to make a half-circle and sort of twist and pinch the edges together. Gently lift with a large spatula onto the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
• Once the calzones are put together, carefully cut a few slits in the top of the dough and brush lightly with the remaining olive oil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before eating.