Satisfy Your Cravings with Our Mouthwatering Mexican Calzone
Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Chef Joey’s Mexican Calzone (Vegan). This recipe combines the best of both worlds – a classic Italian calzone and spicy Tex-Mex flavors. As a vegan chef, I’m an advocate for plant-based meals that are healthy and delicious, and this recipe is no exception.
Picture biting into warm, gooey vegan cheese, savory vegetarian chicken pieces, and earthy button mushrooms wrapped in a crispy pizza crust with spicy chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. The pops of sweetness from the black olives and corn balance the heat perfectly while elevating the flavors of the dish.
But taste aside, this recipe is also great for those who have dietary requirements or preferences. It’s gluten-free and yeast-free, which means it’s perfect for anyone looking to avoid these ingredients. Even if you’re an avid meat-eater, this calzone will satiate your hunger with its irresistible flavors only plant-based food can deliver.
Now let’s get started! You don’t need advanced culinary skills to create this restaurant-quality meal; everything you need is right here in this article. Let me show you how easy it is to make Chef Joey’s Mexican Calzone (Vegan) so you can impress your friends and family with your cooking skills.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I can assure you that this Mexican Calzone recipe is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. As a certified vegan chef, I take pride in creating dishes that are not only delicious but also good for your health and the planet. This recipe is no exception.
First of all, this calzone is 100% vegan, which means it doesn’t contain any animal products or by-products. This is excellent news for those who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint or just want to try a plant-based meal. But don’t think that just because it’s vegan, it’s not going to be satisfying. Trust me; this calzone is loaded with so much flavor and texture that even non-vegan food enthusiasts would love it.
Secondly, this calzone incorporates some of the most delicious Tex-Mex ingredients. From the spiciness of chipotle chile in adobo sauce to the creaminess of vegan cheese, each bite will make your taste buds dance with joy. Add to that the sweetness of corn and the richness of button mushrooms, and you’ve got yourself an explosion of flavors.
And if you’re worried about gluten-free options, fear not: this recipe has got you covered. With a gluten-free pizza crust recipe, you can still enjoy an excellent quality crust without any gluten-induced bloating or discomfort.
Finally, as a chef, I love how versatile this recipe is— there is always room for experimentation and customization. Whether you prefer vegan chicken pieces or black olives in your calzone or whether you decide to dip it with salsa verde or marinara sauce, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy this dish.
So why will you love this recipe? Not only is it packed with flavor and texture, but it’s also vegan-friendly and customizable to your taste preferences. Plus, who wouldn’t want to try something new that will leave them feeling satisfied and nourished?
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious Mexican Calzone. All the ingredients used in this recipe are vegan and can be easily found at your local grocery store.
Pizza Crust
– 1 pizza crust (you can use either store-bought or make your own)
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Calzone Filling
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 onion chopped
– 2 garlic cloves minced
– 1 chipotle chile in adobo chopped
– 8 button mushrooms sliced
– 1/2 cup of corn
– 1/4 cup of black olives sliced
– 1 package of vegetarian chicken pieces
– 1/4 cup of salsa verde
Vegan Cheese
– Vegan cheese (you can use any type of vegan cheese you like, but we recommend using a shredded mozzarella-style for the perfect cheesy texture)
Sauce
– Marinara sauce (you can use store-bought or use our homemade marinara sauce recipe in the Serving and Pairing section)
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to create a Mexican Calzone with unique flavors that will satisfy all your taste buds? Chef Joey’s recipe is going to require some ingredients, but don’t worry – the process is quite simple.
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
First things first, let’s get all the ingredients ready. Don’t forget to read through the directions before starting. Dice half an onion and three minced garlic cloves, then saute them in a pan on medium heat until golden brown. Add 4 oz of sliced button mushrooms, 3/4 cup of frozen corn, and a can of black olives sliced evenly. Add half of chipotle chile in adobo sauce and toast for about five minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetarian Chicken Pieces
In a separate pan, cook the package of vegetarian chicken pieces until it’s browned on all sides nicely. Once done, dice it into small bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Roll Out The Dough
Roll out one store-bought or homemade pizza crust (use your own gluten-free version if needed) to form a “taco-shaped” rectangle. Flour a little bit so it won’t stick to any surface.
Step 4: Add toppings and cheese
Spread half a cup of marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought). Then sprinkle with an adequate amount of shredded vegan cheese, followed by the cooked mushrooms and corn mixture, Vegan chicken pieces and top with more vegan cheese.
Step 5: Fold Dough Over And Seal Edges
Fold the dough over like you would work with a quesadilla or empanada, making sure it’s the right size sort of making two taco-shaped sides. Firmly press down on both adjacent edges from each other until firmly sealed.
Step 6: Bake The Calzone
Place calzone carefully onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper coated with Pam spray then lightly brush olive oil on top as well as some dried herbs such as basil or oregano if desired. Allow it to bake at around 375°F for roughly 25-30 minutes until golden brown depending on how crispy you prefer your crust to be.
Congratulations! Your very own Mexican calzone vegano is ready to serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up a bit with this Mexican Calzone recipe by Chef Joey? Whether you’re trying to cater to dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment with new flavors, there are several ingredient swaps and variations you can make to create your perfect calzone.
First of all, if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, feel free to leave them out or replace them with another vegetable. Bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant would all be delicious additions. Additionally, if you don’t have any vegetarian chicken pieces on hand, try substituting them with tofu or seitan instead.
For those who like some heat in their food, consider adding extra chipotle chile in adobo sauce or even jalapenos for a spicy kick. On the other hand, if you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chipotle chile or skip it altogether.
If you’re gluten-free, don’t worry! Simply swap out the pizza crust recipe for your favorite gluten-free option. You can also use vegan cheese alternatives such as cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist on this traditional calzone.
For a Tex-Mex twist on this Italian classic, substitute the marinara sauce with salsa verde and add in some black beans and avocado for a filling combination that’s sure to please.
Finally, if you’ve got an air fryer handy and want to try something new, give your calzones a healthy makeover by popping them in the air fryer for just a few minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutions and variations – after all, cooking is all about creativity!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Mexican calzone is hot and fresh out of the oven, let’s talk about serving and pairing it.
First things first, slice your calzone into even portions using a sharp knife – this recipe makes enough for about 4 people, so be sure to distribute accordingly! Now, if you’re looking for something to pair it with, may I suggest a simple side salad? This will blend perfectly with the flavors of the calzone while also making sure you don’t overdo it on the carbs.
As far as dressing goes, I recommend something light and refreshing like a homemade salsa verde or a classic vinaigrette. And of course, feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes or avocado pieces to really give your salad an extra burst of flavor.
If you’re looking for a more elaborate meal, you can also serve this Mexican calzone alongside some flavorful Tex-Mex rice or black beans. These sides can all be prepared in advance and will make your meal feel complete.
As for drinks, I personally love pairing this recipe with a frosty Margarita or maybe even some refreshing Horchata. But if you’re not in the mood for alcohol, any citrusy or bubbly beverage will do just fine!
The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to serving and pairing Chef Joey’s Mexican Calzone. Just remember to experiment and have fun with it – after all, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a delicious vegan meal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
So, you’ve baked your delicious vegan Chef Joey’s Mexican Calzone, but you’ve got some leftovers that you don’t want to go to waste. No worries, I’ve got you covered with some helpful tips to store and reheat your calzones perfectly.
Firstly, once the calzones have cooled down to room temperature, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped calzones in an airtight container or a ziplock bag before placing them in the fridge.
The calzones will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator before they start to lose their freshness. When reheating your calzone, avoid using a microwave as it can make the crust soggy. Instead, I recommend reheating them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
To freeze the calzones for later use, simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag and place them in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to heat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the same reheating instructions mentioned above.
These vegan Mexican calzone leftovers are too good to go to waste. By following these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy Chef Joey’s amazing recipe again and again!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Mexican Calzone turns out perfect every time, let me share with you some of my tried and tested tips:
First and foremost, choose high-quality ingredients to give your calzone an exceptional flavor. The combination of the vegan cheese, button mushrooms, black olives, chipotle chile in adobo, garlic cloves, onion, corn and vegetarian chicken pieces is what makes this dish so delicious.
When cooking the vegetables, make sure to cook them properly without overcooking as this can lead to a mushy and unappetizing filling. To avoid this, sauté the onion and garlic until they are fragrant and add the mushroom and corn, then wait for them to soften before adding the vegetarian chicken pieces.
The key to a good calzone is a perfectly cooked crust. For this recipe I recommend using my pizza crust recipe. The dough should have a smooth and elastic texture and should be left to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. When rolling out the dough, make sure not to roll it too thin or else the filling will leak out while baking.
If you prefer a gluten-free version of this recipe, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour in the crust recipe. This will give you a crispier crust but may require more baking time.
For an extra crispy texture without frying, consider using an air fryer instead of baking it in the oven. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the calzone into the basket (one at a time) and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Lastly, don’t forget to pair your calzone with a delicious sauce like marinara sauce or salsa verde. This will enhance its flavors further.
Following these tips will guarantee a mouth-watering Mexican Calzone every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Chef Joey’s Mexican Calzone recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make vegan dish that can satisfy any craving for Tex-Mex flavors. With its versatile ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for plant-based eaters who want to indulge in flavorful yet healthy meal options.
By using vegan cheese, button mushrooms, black olives, chipotle chile in adobo, garlic cloves, onion, corn, and vegetarian chicken pieces, this calzone is packed with protein and flavor without sacrificing taste. Plus, with gluten-free and yeast-free options available, this recipe can be enjoyed by individuals with dietary restrictions.
Pairing the calzone with marinara sauce or salsa verde enhances the overall experience of the dish. Furthermore, the make-ahead option and air fryer technique suggested in this article add even more convenience to this quick meal.
Overall, I highly recommend trying this Mexican Calzone recipe as it has become one of my top go-to vegan dishes. So get your apron on and start cooking!
Chef Joey’s Mexican Calzone (Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust, recipe (no yeast-vegan)
- 1 (6 7/8 ounce) package vegetarian chicken pieces
- 1/4 cup cooked corn, nibblets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo (chopped fine)
- 1/4 cup black olives (fine chopped)
- 5 button mushrooms, chopped small
- 6 marinated artichoke hearts (chopped fine)
- 1 (9 1/2 ounce) jar marinara sauce (or other tomato sauce)
- 1 (11 ounce) package vegan cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375'F.
- Prepare the pizza dough and set aside. I put mine in a plastic container with a lid. I put some olive oil on the dough to keep it supple.
- Prepare all the ingredients that need chopping.
- Saute the onion and garlic for a few minutes. then add everything else except the marinara sauce and cheese.
- Turn the heat down and add the marinara sauce until the mixture is just moist. Saute this for a few minutes to combine everything together.
- Remove from heat.
- Divide the pizza dough into two equal pieces. Roll them out and put half the filling on each round.
- Shred some cheese on top of the marinara mixture and then seal the pastries well so they don't leak. You can brush the tops with some soy milk or melted vegan margarine.
- Cut small vent holes in the top of the pastries and bake for 30 minutes.
- Serve warm with melted cheese and more marinara sauce on top.
- Bon Appetit!
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.