In Italian, calzone refers to a type of folded pizza that is baked with its fillings sealed inside the dough. The word calzone literally means trouser or pant leg in Italian, but when used in the context of food, it specifically refers to this popular dish.
A calzone is essentially a pizza that is folded in half, enclosing the fillings such as cheese (typically mozzarella or ricotta), meats (like ham or sausage), and sometimes vegetables. The dough is folded over the ingredients, sealed at the edges, and then baked, resulting in a crescent-shaped pastry.
Here are a couple of ways you might hear the word used:
- Vorrei un calzone al formaggio, per favore. – I would like a cheese calzone, please.
- Il calzone è ripieno di prosciutto e mozzarella. – The calzone is filled with ham and mozzarella.
Despite its culinary meaning, the word calzone also has the literal meaning of trouser or pant leg in Italian, although this usage is less common in everyday conversation.
The etymology of the word suggests that the dish may have been named calzone because of its folded, pocket-like shape, similar to a pant leg or pouch that encloses something. In some regions of Italy, particularly in the south, you might find variations of the calzone that are deep-fried instead of baked, but the basic concept remains the same.
In summary, while calzone can literally mean trouser in Italian, it is best known as a folded pizza with various fillings inside, making it a beloved dish in Italian cuisine.