Stromboli

Stromboli is a delectable type of turnover that originated in Philadelphia, born from the culinary ingenuity of Italian-Americans. Picture a savory delight filled with an assortment of Italian cheeses, cold cuts, or vegetables, all encased in either Italian bread dough or pizza dough. It might remind you of a calzone, but there are important distinctions: stromboli typically omits the tomato sauce and is rolled into a long cylindrical shape, unlike the crescent-shaped calzone.

The preparation of stromboli can vary significantly. Some pizzerias in the U.S. choose to fold pizza dough around the delicious fillings, while others take a rectangular piece of dough and roll it into the characteristic cylindrical form. For those seeking a twist, there are versions that include pizza sauce or are even deep-fried, akin to panzerotti.

The origin of the name "stromboli" in the culinary sphere has a couple of intriguing tales. One story attributes it to Romano's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Essington, Pennsylvania, dating back to 1950. Another narrative credits Mike Aquino of Mike's Burger Royal in Spokane, Washington, in 1954.

Regardless of which story you might believe, there's no denying that stromboli has captured the hearts of many across the United States. It's a favorite choice for anyone craving a rich and satisfying Italian-inspired dish.