What is a calzone?
Over 300 years ago, calzones were invented in Naples as a convenient meal for those on the move. The term "calzone" translates to "pants leg" in English, and one theory behind the name is that it resembles a stuffed pair of trousers. Originally, these calzones were much smaller than the versions commonly found in the U.S. today, as they were intended to be a portable meal. However, most calzones served in Italian restaurants now are large enough to be shared.
Since their arrival in the U.S., calzones have significantly increased in size, yet they are still folded in the traditional manner. They are designed to resemble a pasty or empanada; the dough starts as a circle, similar to a classic pizza, with the filling placed on one half. The dough is then folded over, creating the empanada-like shape. Finally, the edges are sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
What is a stromboli?
It turns out that the cheesesteak isn't the only bread-centric dish originating from Philadelphia; the stromboli also hails from South Philly, making it an Italian-inspired American creation rather than a traditional Italian meal. This dish was invented by Nazzareno Romano, who initially crafted it as a stuffed sandwich filled with various Italian meats and vegetables. Today, the original establishment, Romano's Pizzeria, continues to operate and frequently ships its strombolis across the United States.
Strombolis were designed as handheld sandwiches rather than pockets. The dough is formed into a rectangle, with the filling placed in the center. The dough can then be rolled into a narrow rectangle, or the sides can be folded over the filling to achieve the same narrow shape. Similar to a calzone, the edges are sealed before the stromboli is baked.
Calzones contain ricotta, but not marinara
While it may not appear to be a significant distinction, there is one key element that differentiates these two doughy dishes: marinara sauce. Traditional calzones are made without any sauce, with marinara typically served on the side. In contrast, strombolis adopt a more pizza-like approach, featuring a layer of sauce along with meats, cheese, and vegetables on top of the dough.
Another notable difference is the use of ricotta. Authentic calzones should always include ricotta, although other cheeses like Parmesan or mozzarella can also be added. Conversely, strombolis generally do not contain ricotta and almost always feature mozzarella. Both strombolis and calzones can serve multiple people, but strombolis are typically sliced thin to accommodate a larger group, while calzones are usually cut to serve just two.
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