Two popular Italian meals, Stromboli vs Calzone, are sometimes misunderstood as being the other. Both recipes share the common denominator of stuffed dough, although they are otherwise distinctive. In this post, we’ll examine the differences and similarities between Stromboli and Calzone.
What is Stromboli?
The American state of Pennsylvania is credited with being the birthplace of the stromboli turnover. To prepare one, pizza dough is rolled out into a rectangle, toppings like cheese, meat, and veggies are added, and the whole thing is rolled up into a cylinder. After the dough has been shaped, it is baked in the oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
What is Calzone?
However, calzone is a classic Italian meal with its roots in Naples. The dough is folded in half and the edges are sealed to form a crescent. Similar to Stromboli, it is stuffed with cheese, meat, and veggies. After stuffing, the calzone is wrapped in dough and cooked until the crust is golden and the contents is bubbling.
Dough
The dough is a key distinguishing factor between Stromboli and Calzone. The dough for a Stromboli is rolled into a rectangle, whereas that for a Calzone is shaped into a half moon. Stromboli dough is often thinner and crispier than calzone dough, which is thicker and chewier.
Filling
Stromboli vs calzone are similar in that they can both be stuffed with cheese, meat, veggies, and sauces. A Stromboli, on the other hand, has its filling piled in the middle before being folded into a cylinder. When making a Calzone, the filling is typically combined and placed in the middle of the dough before being folded in half.
Serving
You can find stromboli on menus as both a starter and a main dish. Slices are usually served with a side of marinara sauce. On the other hand, a calzone can be rather substantial and is typically served as a main dish. Slices are usually sliced at the table from an entire serving.
Regional Differences
Stromboli is a specialty of the northeastern United States, where it has been increasingly popular in recent decades. However, calzone is a classic Italian dish that is widely enjoyed in both Italy and the Italian American diaspora.
Cooking Method
The two pizzas, Stromboli and Calzone, are cooked differently. Calzone can be baked either in a wood-fired oven or a regular oven, while Stromboli requires a hotter oven temperature. The crispiness of the Stromboli’s crust depends on the high heat of the oven.
Origins and History
The origins of the Stromboli can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. Named after the volcanic island of Stromboli off the coast of Italy. However, calzones have been around since the 18th century, when they were first created in Naples. Its initial purpose was to provide laborers with a full supper that could be easily transported to the fields.
Variations
Traditional components are utilized in both Stromboli and Calzone, although there are many different ways to prepare both. Some recipes for stromboli also call for sauce to be poured within the roll in addition to the fillings of cheese, meat, and veggies. Seafood, pesto, and ricotta cheese are just some of the filling options for a calzone.
Nutritional Value
The dough and cheese used to make stromboli and calzone both contribute to their high calorie, high fat, and high carbohydrate counts. Of course, the quality of the nutrients depends on the ingredients. Both recipes could benefit from the addition of vegetables and lean meats to boost their nutritional content.
Conclusion
To sum up, while Stromboli vs Calzone share some similarities, there are also important distinctions between the two, including the dough, the filling, the cooking method, and the regional origins. These recipes are heavy in calories and fat, yet they are quite tasty and satisfying. Moderation is the key, as with any food, and adding healthy components can boost the meal’s nutritional value.
Despite their similarities, Stromboli and Calzone are two very different kinds of wonderful stuffed bread dishes. Calzone is made using thicker, chewier dough folded in half with a mixed filling, whereas Stromboli uses a thinner, crispier dough rolled into a cylinder with separate layers of filling. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, because they’re both delicious and filling.