Homemade Calzones with Chicken and Asparagus

Directions for the dough:

In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup water with the honey and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 3 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble.

In a bigger bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the oil, the yeast mixture and the remaining 3/4 cup water. Mix to combine and knead the dough until it’s soft and elastic, about 5 minutes.

Place the dough ball in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an hour.

After an hour, divide the dough into 4 balls. Place them into 4 smaller, oiled bowls and let rise another 15 minutes.

Roll out each dough ball until it’s about 12 inches in diameter, like a pizza. You’re ready for the filling!

Directions for the sauce:

Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic and saute 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and let it bloom for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, herbs, wine, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for 30 minutes. Keep the lid off as you’ll want it to reduce and thicken a tad.

Putting it all together:

On one half of each crust, layer some marinara sauce, cooked diced chicken, cooked asparagus, shredded cheese and a little more sauce. Fold the other side of the dough over, sealing the edges with your fingers, like a little pocket.

Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Brush each calzone with the egg wash, sprinkle with herbs, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 375 degree F preheated oven.

Serve calzones with remaining marinara! WHEW, you deserve to eat after all that!