Making a calzone in an Ooni oven is an exciting culinary adventure that combines traditional Italian flavors with modern, high-heat cooking techniques. The Ooni, known for its high-temperature capabilities and quick cooking times, is perfectly suited for cooking calzones to a crispy, golden perfection. In this article, we will delve into the world of calzone making, exploring the basics, the benefits of using an Ooni, and providing a step-by-step guide on how to achieve perfectly cooked calzones in your Ooni oven.
Introduction to Calzones and Ooni Ovens
Calzones are essentially folded pizzas, originating from Italy, filled with a variety of ingredients such as mozzarella, tomato sauce, and various meats or vegetables. They are typically sealed and then baked or fried until crispy and golden. On the other hand, Ooni ovens, formerly known as Uuni ovens, are portable, outdoor pizza ovens that are capable of reaching extremely high temperatures, allowing for the quick cooking of pizzas and other dishes, including calzones.
The Benefits of Using an Ooni for Calzones
Using an Ooni oven to cook calzones offers several benefits. Firstly, the high heat of the Ooni allows for a crispy crust to form quickly, which is essential for a good calzone. Traditional home ovens often cannot reach the same temperatures as an Ooni, resulting in a softer crust. Secondly, the quick cooking time in an Ooni helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the fillings, as they are not exposed to heat for an extended period. Lastly, the smoky flavor imparted by the Ooni oven adds a unique dimension to the calzone, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Cooking Techniques and Considerations
When cooking calzones in an Ooni, there are a few key techniques and considerations to keep in mind. Preheating the Ooni to the correct temperature is crucial, as it affects the cooking time and the quality of the crust. Generally, an Ooni should be preheated to around 500°C (932°F) for cooking calzones. It’s also important to use the right type of flour for the dough, as it affects the structure and crispiness of the crust. Furthermore, the size and filling of the calzone can impact cooking time, so adjustments may be necessary based on these factors.
Preparing the Perfect Calzone Dough
The foundation of a great calzone is the dough. Preparing the perfect calzone dough requires attention to detail and the right ingredients. A good calzone dough should be elastic, yet firm enough to hold its shape when folded. To achieve this, you will need flour, yeast, salt, water, and olive oil. The type of flour used is critical; “00” flour or caputo flour is often recommended for pizza and calzone dough due to its low protein content, which results in a more tender crust.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
The process of mixing and kneading the dough is where many calzone enthusiasts find the most satisfaction. Kneading the dough for an adequate amount of time is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the dough its elasticity and structure. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook attachment. After kneading, the dough needs time to rest and rise, allowing the yeast to ferment the sugars and produce the gases that give the dough its light, airy texture.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Rise
Achieving the perfect rise is crucial for calzone dough. This involves creating the right environment for the yeast to ferment. A warm, draft-free place is ideal for the dough to rise, and the temperature should be around 25°C (77°F). It’s also important not to overwork the dough during the mixing and kneading process, as this can damage the gluten structure and hinder the rise.
Cooking Calzones in Your Ooni
With your dough prepared and your Ooni preheated, it’s time to cook your calzone. The key to cooking a calzone in an Ooni is to cook it quickly over high heat, turning frequently to ensure an even crispiness. The cooking time will depend on the size of your calzone and the temperature of your Ooni, but generally, you’re looking at around 2-3 minutes per side.
Adding Fillings and Sealing the Calzone
Before cooking, you’ll need to add your chosen fillings to one half of the dough circle and then seal the calzone. It’s crucial to not overfill the calzone, as this can make it difficult to seal and can lead to fillings spilling out during cooking. A good seal is also essential to prevent fillings from escaping, which can be achieved by pressing the edges of the dough together firmly or using a fork to crimp them.
Cooking and Serving
Once your calzone is sealed, it’s ready to go into the Ooni. Place it in the oven, turning every minute or so until it’s golden and crispy. Keeping an eye on the calzone as it cooks is essential, as the high heat of the Ooni can quickly go from perfectly cooked to burnt. Once cooked, remove the calzone from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the fillings to set and makes the calzone easier to handle.
Conclusion
Making a calzone in your Ooni oven is a rewarding experience that can elevate your outdoor cooking to new heights. By following the steps outlined in this guide, from preparing the perfect dough to cooking the calzone to a golden crisp, you can enjoy delicious, authentic Italian calzones in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, the Ooni oven offers a unique cooking experience that can bring people together over the joy of food. So, the next time you’re considering what to cook in your Ooni, don’t hesitate to give calzones a try. With practice and patience, you’ll be making perfect calzones in no time, and the smoky, crispy delights will surely become a favorite among your family and friends.
To help you on your calzone-making journey, here is a summary of key points to consider:
- Use the right type of flour for the dough, such as “00” flour, for a tender crust.
- Preheat the Ooni to the correct temperature, around 500°C (932°F), for optimal cooking results.
- Don’t overfill the calzone, and ensure a good seal to prevent fillings from escaping during cooking.
- Turn the calzone frequently during cooking to achieve an even crispiness.
By focusing on these key areas and experimenting with different fillings and cooking techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a calzone master, capable of whipping up delicious, Ooni-cooked calzones at a moment’s notice. Happy cooking!
What is an Ooni and how can it be used to make calzones?
An Ooni is a type of portable pizza oven that can reach extremely high temperatures, making it ideal for cooking pizzas and other types of flatbreads. It can be used to make calzones by cooking them at a high temperature for a short amount of time, resulting in a crispy crust and a well-cooked filling. The Ooni’s high heat and quick cooking time also help to prevent the filling from becoming soggy or overcooked.
To make a calzone in an Ooni, simply place the dough on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel, add your desired fillings, and fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Place the calzone in the preheated Ooni and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through. It’s also important to rotate the calzone every 30 seconds to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. With a little practice, you can achieve perfectly cooked calzones in your Ooni every time.
What type of dough is best for making calzones in an Ooni?
The best type of dough for making calzones in an Ooni is a high-moisture dough that is made with a combination of flour, water, yeast, and salt. This type of dough will produce a crust that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, which is perfect for holding fillings. It’s also important to make sure the dough is at room temperature before cooking, as this will help it to cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too brittle.
A good recipe for Ooni calzone dough would include a high-protein flour such as bread flour or all-purpose flour with a high protein content, as well as a salty water solution to help strengthen the gluten in the dough. The dough should be mixed and kneaded for a long time to develop the gluten, and then allowed to rise for at least an hour to give it a light and airy texture. By using a high-quality dough, you can ensure that your calzones turn out delicious and perfectly cooked every time.
How do I prevent my calzone from burning in the Ooni?
To prevent your calzone from burning in the Ooni, it’s essential to keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature. The Ooni can get extremely hot, so it’s crucial to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on the size and thickness of your calzone. You should also rotate the calzone every 30 seconds to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning. Additionally, make sure the Ooni is preheated to the correct temperature before cooking, as this will help the calzone cook more evenly.
Another way to prevent burning is to use a pizza stone or baking steel in the Ooni, which can help to distribute the heat more evenly and prevent hotspots. You can also brush the crust with a little bit of olive oil or water to help prevent it from becoming too brown or crispy. By following these tips and keeping a close eye on the calzone while it’s cooking, you can achieve a perfectly cooked crust that’s golden brown and delicious.
Can I cook multiple calzones at once in my Ooni?
Yes, you can cook multiple calzones at once in your Ooni, but it’s crucial to make sure they have enough space to cook evenly. The Ooni is a large oven, but it’s still important to cook the calzones in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook properly. If you’re cooking multiple calzones at once, make sure to leave at least an inch of space between each one to allow for even cooking and to prevent them from touching each other.
Cooking multiple calzones at once can also help to speed up the cooking process, as you can cook several at a time and then rotate them to ensure even cooking. However, keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent burning or overcooking. It’s also essential to use a large pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper to make it easier to transfer the calzones in and out of the Ooni. By cooking multiple calzones at once, you can feed a crowd and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with your friends and family.
What types of fillings are best for Ooni calzones?
The best types of fillings for Ooni calzones are those that are high in flavor and low in moisture, as this will help prevent the crust from becoming soggy or overcooked. Some popular filling options include meats such as sausage or pepperoni, cheeses such as mozzarella or ricotta, and vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also get creative with your fillings and add unique ingredients such as pesto or sun-dried tomatoes to give your calzones a personal touch.
When choosing fillings for your Ooni calzones, make sure to balance the flavors and textures to ensure that the filling is not too wet or too dry. You should also avoid using fillings that are too large or too chunky, as this can make it difficult to fold the dough over and can cause the calzone to burst open during cooking. By using a combination of flavors and textures, you can create delicious and unique calzones that will impress your friends and family. Remember to keep the fillings simple and flavorful, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and combinations.
How do I store leftover Ooni calzones?
To store leftover Ooni calzones, it’s essential to let them cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing them. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and keep the calzones fresh for a longer period. Once the calzones have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to reheat the calzones, simply place them in the Ooni or a conventional oven at a high temperature until they’re crispy and hot.
When reheating leftover calzones, make sure to cook them until they’re hot and crispy, as this will help restore their original texture and flavor. You can also reheat the calzones in a skillet on the stovetop with a little bit of oil or butter, which can help add extra flavor and crispiness. By storing leftover calzones properly and reheating them when needed, you can enjoy delicious homemade meals even on busy days. Remember to always check the calzones for any signs of spoilage before consuming them, and discard them if they have an off smell or appearance.
Are Ooni calzones a healthy food option?
Ooni calzones can be a relatively healthy food option if you choose the right ingredients and cooking methods. By using whole-wheat dough and fillings that are high in nutrients and low in calories, you can create a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. Additionally, cooking the calzones in the Ooni helps to retain the nutrients in the ingredients, as the high heat and quick cooking time help to preserve the vitamins and minerals.
To make your Ooni calzones even healthier, try using fillings that are high in vegetables and lean proteins, and avoid adding too much cheese or sauce. You can also use herbs and spices to add flavor instead of relying on salt and sugar. By being mindful of the ingredients and cooking methods, you can enjoy delicious and healthy Ooni calzones that are perfect for any time of day. Remember to balance your diet with a variety of foods and to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.