Stromboli

The name might sound fancy, but it is actually a really simple and delicious meal idea!

Plus it just looks so darn pretty!

Stromboli

Ingredients:

For the dough:

1/4 cup warm water

1 tbsp. yeast

1 tsp. sugar

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. salt

1 cup water

3 1/2-4 cups flour

Directions:

1. Combine 1/4 cup warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and stir to dissolve.  Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.  Stir in remaining warm water, olive oil, and salt.  Gradually add 1 1/2 - 2 cups flour, mixing until smooth.  Gradually add enough remaining flour until you have a smooth dough that comes away from the bowl.  

2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead, working in more flour as needed.  Shape into a ball, place in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel, let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a large baking sheet.

4.  Punch down dough and cut in half.  On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough half into a rectangle about 10" by 8". 

Ingredients for Filling (mix and match as you like):

1/2 cup spaghetti or pizza sauce

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

4 oz. sliced pepperoni

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg beaten

sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

 1.  Arrange fillings over dough, finishing with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.  Roll the dough, much like you would if you were making a jelly roll (cinnamon rolls).  Pinch the edges of the seam and tuck the ends under.

2.  Cut long diagonal slashes, about 1/2 inch deep, along the top of the loaf every 3 inches.  Brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg.  Sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds if desired (this is mainly for looks).

3.  Bake for about 30 minutes or until bread is golden brown.  Cool slightly, then cut and serve.

This is what my finished product looked like, I filled it a little full and it leaked out the seams, but it was still delicious.  We NEVER have left overs when I make this dinner!