Description
Golden fried Italian dough pockets filled with melted mozzarella and rich tomato sauce, crispy on the outside and gooey inside, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or casual meal.
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 250 ml warm water
- 7 g active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 150 g tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 250 ml vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, kneading until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 12 cm in diameter.
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of tomato sauce on one half of each circle. Sprinkle about 25 g mozzarella on top and add oregano and black pepper.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
- Fry each panzerotti for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the yeast becomes frothy before mixing to confirm it is active.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during frying.
- Seal the edges tightly using a fork or by pinching the dough.
- You can bake the panzerotti at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peppers for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panzerotto
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
