Ingredients
Before we start, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need to make our Neapolitan panzerotti:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- For the filling:
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until a dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it feels too dry, sprinkle some water. Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, diced ham, tomato sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Set the filling aside.
Step 4: Shape and Fill the Panzerotti
Punch down the dough to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 6 inches in diameter. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, forming a semicircle. Press the edges firmly to seal.
Step 5: Fry the Panzerotti
In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the filled panzerotti into the hot oil and fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your authentic Neapolitan panzerotti are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm as a delicious appetizer or a satisfying main course. They pair perfectly with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Buon appetito!
Now that you have learned the step-by-step process of making authentic Neapolitan panzerotti, you can recreate this delicious Italian treat in your own kitchen. With a crispy crust and a gooey, flavorful filling, these panzerotti are sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? Happy cooking!