Home-Made Stromboli: The Ultimate Guide for Fresh Flavor

Stromboli, a classic Italian dish, is a delightful treat for pizza and pasta lovers alike. By making your own at home, you can enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this delicious folded pizza. In this guide, we will explore the process of creating a homemade stromboli from scratch, including a bolognese style sauce perfect for adding depth and flavor.

Ingredients and Methods for a Bolognese Sauce

500g beef and pork mince 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp thyme tomato jar sauce (preferably Napoletana) 1 finely chopped onion 3 cloves of garlic 1 tsp of vegemite (optional) 1 medium carrot finely grated 1 tsp sugar Salt and pepper Pasta water

Method:

Finely chop the onion and garlic, and finely grate the carrot. Heat a pan on medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated carrot to the pan and cook until soft. Add the minced meat and break it up, then season with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned. Add in the jar sauce, herbs, vegemite (if using), and sugar. Simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. When your pasta is cooked, save some pasta water to add into the sauce. This will make the sauce extra tasty.

Now that your bolognese sauce is ready, you can move on to making your stromboli dough!

Homemade Stromboli Dough Recipe

450 grams strong white bread flour 1 tsp fast-acting dried yeast 1 tsp sea salt 3 tbsp olive oil 300 ml lukewarm water Add the flour, salt, and yeast to a large bowl, keeping the salt and yeast separate. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and water. Mix with one hand until it comes together into a dough. Tip out onto an oiled work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Return the dough to the bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it doubles in size.

Creating the Stromboli

Once your dough is ready, it's time to create the stromboli. Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12 x 18 on a well-floured surface. Starting with a 2/3 of the dough, scoop out some of the bolognese sauce (about 1/2 deep) and spread it evenly over the dough. Add your desired fillings, such as sun-dried tomato paste, roasted red peppers, mixed cured meats, fresh hand-torn mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan.

Next, roll the dough up like a burrito, tucking in the ends. Place the stromboli on a lightly floured baking tray, turning it so that the seam is underneath. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and allow it to prove for about 30 minutes.

Before baking, use an oiled skewer to poke several holes through the dough. Brush the top with olive oil to create a beautiful crust. Bake in the oven at 200°C/190°C fan/400°F for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. If the bottom is still raw, flip the stromboli over and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Enjoy Your Delicious Stromboli!

Serve your homemade stromboli hot and enjoy the flavors melting in your mouth. The combination of a perfectly cooked bolognese sauce and a fresh, homemade dough makes this a meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.