Italian Stromboli is a delicious dish that originated in the United States, rather than Italy. It’s a type of rolled sandwich or turnover that is filled with various ingredients and then baked. The name “Stromboli” is inspired by the Italian island of Stromboli, which is known for its active volcano.
Here’s a basic recipe for making Italian Stromboli:
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the filling:
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced ham
- 1/2 pound salami or pepperoni
- 1/2 pound provolone cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface.
- Layer the ham, salami or pepperoni, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, Parmesan cheese, and dried oregano over the dough.
- Starting from one of the long sides, roll the dough tightly to form a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Place the rolled Stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the top with olive oil and make a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Stromboli is versatile, and you can customize the filling to suit your preferences. Enjoy your homemade Italian Stromboli!
