U' Pituni - Sicilian Stuffed Fried Calzone

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water 1/2 cup (120ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
• 4 anchovy fillets, chopped 4 anchovy fillets, chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, tomato sauce, chopped anchovies, capers, and dried oregano.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into small balls. Roll out each ball into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
7. 7.
   Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges firmly to seal.
9. 9.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the stuffed calzones into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
10. 10.
    Remove the fried calzones from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
11. 11.
    Serve U' Pituni hot or at room temperature as a delicious snack or appetizer.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Anchovies — If you're not a fan of anchovies, you can substitute them with chopped black olives for a similar salty flavor.
• Capers — Rinse the capers before using them to remove excess saltiness.
• Mozzarella cheese — For a more authentic taste, use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded. Tear it into small pieces and distribute it evenly in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the dough is well-risen before rolling it out to achieve a light and airy texture.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispy calzones.
• Experiment with different fillings such as ham, salami, or sautéed vegetables to customize the U' Pituni to your taste.
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Leftover U' Pituni can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve U' Pituni as a delicious appetizer or snack. They are best enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Pair them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the U' Pituni on a platter, showcasing their golden brown color and crispy texture. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh oregano or parsley for a pop of color. Serve with a side of marinara sauce in a small bowl for dipping.