Recipes, Guides, Lifestyles by GRATSI

Panzarotti
EAT

GIOVANNI'S KITCHEN

Panzarotti

Each is filled with gooey cheese, fresh tomatoes, and basil, creating a flavorful bite. Whether served as an aperitivo or a snack, these irresistible golden pockets are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

By Giovanni Siracusa

 |  

November 18, 2024

Panzarotti

By Giovanni Siracusa

Ingredients

  • For the Dough:

  • 300g

    00 flour

  • 300g

    Manitoba flour

  • 340g

    water (room temperature)

  • 10g

    extra virgin olive oil

  • 10g

    dry yeast

  • 6g

    sugar

  • 12g

    sea salt

  • For the Filling:

  • 1.5

    cans whole peeled tomatoes (approx. 42 oz), well-strained

  • 15

    lbs fresh mozzarella, cubed

  • 110g

    grated Parmigiano Reggiano

  • Fresh basil, chopped

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • For Frying:

  • Frying oil (e.g., sunflower or vegetable oil)

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

2.5 hours

13-16 servings

Light, fluffy, and filled with gooey cheese, tomatoes, and basil, these Panzarotti are the ultimate comfort food! A delightful twist on Italian street food, they make for the perfect snack or aperitivo.

A colorful table displays pizza ingredients: fresh basil, a wooden bowl of flour, a can of tomato sauce, a bottle of olive oil, salt and sugar in small bowls, parmesan cheese, and sliced mozzarella.

STEP 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 00 flour, Manitoba flour, dry yeast, sugar, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Slowly add room temperature water, stirring to combine. Gradually incorporate the olive oil and mix until the dough starts to come together.
  3. Turn the dough onto a flat surface and knead for 5–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Divide the dough into 70g portions, roll into balls, and place on an olive oil-greased baking sheet. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
Eight balls of dough are spaced out on a rectangular baking tray with a few drops of oil, placed on a colorful, patterned tablecloth with green, blue, yellow, and red designs.

STEP 2: Make the Filling

  1. Strain the whole peeled tomatoes thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Chop if needed.
  2. In a bowl, combine the strained tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, grated Parmigiano, fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and transfer to a strainer in the refrigerator to ensure the filling stays dry.
A bowl of chopped salad made with tomatoes, cheese, and herbs sits on a colorful, ornate plate with geometric patterns and illustrated figures.

STEP 3: Assemble the Panzarotti

  1. Once the dough has risen, roll out each ball into a small circle (about 6 inches in diameter).
  2. Add a spoonful of the filling onto the middle of the circle, being careful not to overfill.
  3. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, removing any trapped air. Trim excess dough if necessary for a clean edge.
A person uses a fork to spread a filling of cubed cheese, tomato sauce, and herbs on a round piece of dough on a white surface.

STEP 4:  Fry

  1. Heat frying oil in a deep skillet to medium-high heat.
  2. Gently lower the Panzarotti into the hot oil. They should puff up as they fry.
  3. Use a spoon to baste the tops with oil as they cook. Flip carefully using two spoons for even browning.
  4. Fry until golden brown on both sides (approximately 3–4 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Five uncooked, crescent-shaped empanadas arranged on a round, white plate. The plate sits on a vibrant, multicolored geometric patterned tablecloth.

Serve the Panzarotti hot and fresh, and pair them with a glass of Gratsi Red! Buon appetito!

A plate stacked with several golden-brown, fried pastries sits on a colorful tablecloth. Behind the plate is a glass of red beverage labeled GRATSI and a black container with the word RED.

The market