Hey there, foodies! Let's talk about something magical – mushrooms! I have always been fascinated by the variety of mushrooms, and how they can transform any dish into a flavorful experience.
Today, I'm thrilled to share a recipe that's close to my heart: Mini Wild Mushroom Calzones, but with a fun, healthy twist. Think of them as tiny pockets of joy, bursting with savory, earthy flavors. Now, I know what you're thinking - 'calzones, are they healthy?' well, not always, but this recipe is! We are going full on vegan and these little guys are packed with plant-based goodness, making them a perfect addition to your AI recipe app's healthy options.
From Forest Foraging to Kitchen Feasting
I was inspired by the foraging tradition I experienced as a child. I wanted to bring that woodsy, comforting feeling of mushroom gathering into a delicious, healthy and light meal. So, let's ditch the meat and dairy and create a vegan version that everyone can enjoy, and with a fraction of the calories and no Russian roulette required!
Why These Mini Calzones are a Must-Try
- Vegan Delight: We're skipping the traditional meat and cheese for a filling that’s packed with flavor and totally plant-based.
- Flavor Bomb: The combination of sautéed mushrooms, garlic, shallots, and herbs creates a rich, umami-packed filling that's simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These mini calzones are great as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a fun snack. They're also super easy to make ahead of time!
- Health Conscious: These little guys are surprisingly nutritious. They are low in fat, high in fiber and packed with nutrients.
Getting Started with the Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need:
Filling Ingredients:
- 700g of mixed mushrooms (chestnut, button, wild, whatever you fancy!) finely diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 shallots, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 20g dried wild mushrooms, soaked overnight then finely chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- A generous amount of ground pepper
- 3 tbsp breadcrumbs (use gluten free if needed)
Dough Ingredients:
- 250g regular flour
- 250g bread flour (you can sub this for regular if you like but you won't have the same springy dough)
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 tsp active instant yeast
- 2 pinches of sugar
- 1 tsp of salt
- 5 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Prep the Mushrooms: Soak your dried wild mushrooms overnight, then boil and simmer them until soft. Finely chop all the mushrooms and set aside.
- Sauté the Filling: In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté shallots until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add all the mushrooms and cook until their water is released and has cooked away. Add salt, herbs, and pepper. Cook until dry then stir in breadcrumbs. Let cool.
- Activate the Yeast: Warm water, add yeast and sugar. Whisk and let stand for 10-15 min till frothy
- Make the Dough: Add the activated yeast to your flours and salt. Mix till a rough dough forms then add the olive oil. Knead for 10 minutes till the dough is smooth and springy
- Proof the Dough: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place for an hour or until doubled in size.
- Assemble the Calzones: Knock the air out of the dough and roll it out. Use a glass to cut out small circles. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and pinch the edges to seal.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Place the calzones on a lightly oiled tray, brush them with oil, sprinkle sea salt and sesame seeds on top, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
These mini vegan mushroom calzones are fantastic on their own or served alongside a light soup like a vibrant vegan beetroot barszcz, which you can find in our recipe app. They are also great with a simple green salad.
Final Thoughts
These mini vegan mushroom calzones are a must-try for anyone looking to explore healthy, plant-based options. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore meat-free meals, these tiny treasures will surely win your heart! So, get cooking and remember – healthy food can be delicious and fun!