Three Cheese Spinach Calzone

Three Cheese Spinach Calzone:

(serves 4)

 

1 package whole wheat Trader Joe's pizza dough (or homemade whole wheat pizza dough, see below)

3 cups baby spinach

1 small shallot, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup canned Italian stewed diced tomatoes (drained)

1 cup pepperoni, finely chopped

1/4 cup basil leaves, finely chopped

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1 egg

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp pepper

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp melted butter

Take the pizza dough out of the refrigerator and allow to rest for about 20 minutes (or until it gets to room temp). Preheat the oven to 400 degrees (or follow package baking directions) and grease one large baking sheet.

In a saute pan, heat the shallot, pepperoni, and garlic in the olive oil on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the spinach and saute until wilted. Add the marinara, tomatoes, and basil and saute for two minutes. Remove from the heat to cool down.

In a medium size bowl combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, egg, salt and pepper. Combine the spinach mixture and the cheese mixture together.

Cut the pizza dough into four quarters. Form each piece of dough into a ball. Roll the dough balls out, one at a time on to a floured counter top into large circles (you want the dough to be slightly thick so the filling doesn't ooze out of it).

Place the mixture in the center of each of the circles of dough. Fold in half and twist the edges closed. Arrange the calzones on the baking sheet as you make them. Poke the tops of the calzones with a knife three times to allow them to vent. Brush each calzone with melted butter and place into the oven for 25-30  minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Serve warm with marinara sauce.