These Garden Calzones offer a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying vegetarian lunch. The filling is a vibrant mix of earthy mushrooms, crisp broccoli, sweet red bell peppers, and tender onions, all brought together with aromatic garlic and fresh basil. Wrapped in soft, homemade pizza dough and sealed with a layer of creamy tofu “cheese” sauce, each bite delivers a hearty, comforting experience. This recipe is entirely vegan yet incredibly rich in flavor and texture, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks or those avoiding dairy. The golden-brown crust provides a wonderful contrast to the steaming, savory interior. Its a wholesome meal that feels indulgent, bringing the warmth of traditional Italian cooking to your table without any animal products.
Garden Calzones
Description
These Garden Calzones offer a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying vegetarian lunch. The filling is a vibrant mix of earthy mushrooms, crisp broccoli, sweet red bell peppers, and tender onions, all brought together with aromatic garlic and fresh basil. Wrapped in soft, homemade pizza dough and sealed with a layer of creamy tofu "cheese" sauce, each bite delivers a hearty, comforting experience. This recipe is entirely vegan yet incredibly rich in flavor and texture, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks or those avoiding dairy. The golden-brown crust provides a wonderful contrast to the steaming, savory interior. Its a wholesome meal that feels indulgent, bringing the warmth of traditional Italian cooking to your table without any animal products.Ingredients
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
-
Lightly oil a baking sheet and dust it with cornmeal.
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add the onion, broccoli, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet.
-
Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
-
Add the spinach to the skillet, cover, and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
-
Remove the lid and continue cooking until any excess liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes.
-
Stir in the fresh basil and Tofu "Cheese" Sauce until well combined.
-
Turn the pizza dough out onto a floured work surface and punch down to release air.
-
Divide the dough into four equal pieces and shape each one into a smooth ball.
-
Roll each dough ball into a 10-inch circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
-
Divide the vegetable filling evenly among the four dough circles, placing the mixture in the center of each.
-
Fold each dough circle in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
-
Pinch the edges together to seal, rolling them to form a 1-inch-thick border, and flute with your fingers.
-
Carefully transfer the sealed calzones to the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake until the crust is lightly browned and cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes.
-
Serve hot or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 84.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.6g12%
- Saturated Fat 1.1g6%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 9.2mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.1g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 1.5g
- Protein 1.0g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Allow calzones to cool completely before storing. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crust crispiness.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked calzones. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Tofu "Cheese" Sauce: For a simple version, blend firm tofu with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a splash of almond milk until smooth and creamy.
Dough Tip: If making your own pizza dough, ensure it is fully risen and relaxed before rolling to prevent shrinking during baking.
