Panzerotti facts for kids
 |
|
| Alternative names | Panzarotto, calzoni fritti, fritte, frittelle |
|---|---|
| Type | Savoury pie, turnover |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Central Italy and Southern Italy, especially Apulia |
| Main ingredients | Tomato, mozzarella |
A panzerotto is a tasty, savory pastry that looks a bit like a small calzone. It comes from Central and Southern Italy. Panzerotti are usually deep-fried, while calzones are typically baked in an oven. This is the main difference between them.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The word panzerotto comes from an Italian word meaning "belly" or "tummy." This is because the pastry puffs up when it's fried, looking a bit like a swollen belly.
In North America, people also call them panzerotti (even for just one!) or panzarotti.
Panzerotti in Italy
Panzerotti first came from Central and Southern Italy, especially the Apulia region. They are like smaller versions of calzones, but they are almost always fried. Because of this, they are sometimes called calzoni fritti (which means "fried calzones") or pizze fritte ("fried pizzas") in Italy. In some parts of Apulia, they are also known as frittelle or frittelli, meaning "fritters."
The most common things to put inside a panzerotto are tomato and mozzarella cheese. The tomatoes are usually drained and dried first. This stops the dough from getting too wet and ripping. Other popular fillings include onions cooked in olive oil with anchovies and capers. Sometimes, people also use mortadella (a type of sausage) and provolone cheese.
There's also a different dish called panzerotti di patate from Salento. These are actually mashed potato croquettes, not the fried pastry.
Panzerotti in North America
Panzerotti also became popular in North America. They were brought there by Italian immigrants who moved from Southern Italy.
These tasty treats can be different sizes. They are usually shaped like a half-moon. A panzerotto is made from a pocket of dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and other yummy ingredients. Then, it's folded over and deep-fried until golden. As it fries, the panzerotto puffs up. It creates a pocket of steam inside, which should be let out a little before you eat it. This helps prevent burns!
Panzerotti in Canada
Since the mid-1960s, panzerotti have been a popular fast food item in Canada. You might even find frozen versions in stores called Pizza Pockets or Pizza Pops.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a big center for making panzerotti in Canada. One company there is known as one of the largest makers of both perogies and panzerotti in the country.
Images for kids
-
A panzerotti from the Luini bakery in Milan
See also
In Spanish: Panzerotto para niños
