To celebrate our launch into Whole Foods Market, we’ve teamed up with foodies from all across the country to create dishes inspired by the cities they live in. Next up is our friend @sherriesavorsthecity who created a vegetarian Pizza Puff. Loaded with gooey cheese, and crispy Original Breaded Pieces, it’s the perfect snack for the windy city.
5Serves
45 minCook
A Pizza Puff is a hand-held fast food snack similar to a panzerotti or calzone, except it’s deep-fried. The thin tortilla-like dough is traditionally filled with cheese, pizza sauce, sausage or pepperoni. The result is a flaky crust exterior with an ooey gooey interior. You can only find the Pizza Puff on menus at casual restaurants in Chicago. Since I am a big fan of the Chicago pizza puff, I decided to make my own homemade recipe.
The trick to the perfect flaky crust is by using uncooked flour tortilla. The filling is inspired by a beloved Italian-American dish, Chicken Parmesan. But instead of real chicken, I’m using my favorite plant-based chicken from Daring Foods. I used their Original Breaded Pieces for this recipe. I like to use two kinds of cheeses: shredded and fresh mozzarella for that ooey gooey cheesy goodness. The fresh basil leaves and Italian seasoning adds so much flavor to the pizza puff. Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
Deep fry or bake the Daring Original Breaded Pieces according to the instructions on the pouch. Make sure that they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
Lay one uncooked tortilla on a flat surface.
Put a tablespoon of pizza sauce in the middle.
Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese on top.
Lay 2 big pieces or 3 small pieces of the cooked Daring Original Breaded Pieces on top.
Put 1 tablespoon of the pizza sauce on top.
Then, add a slice of the fresh mozzarella. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Lastly, top with fresh basil leaves.
Using your fingers dipped in water, moisten the sides with water. Fold both edges on the side first and then the rest of the two edges like an envelope. If need be, Make sure to dip your fingers in more water and press gently to seal the seam. I like to refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before deep frying.
Heat up oil to 325º F and deep fry on one side with the seam side facing up. Only flip once the first side is golden brown and then cook the other side until bubbly and golden brown.
Drain over paper towels. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before eating. Serve with more pizza sauce on the side and spicy giardiniera relish for an extra kick.
