PEPPERONI PIZZA POCKET

Pepperoni Pizza Pocket image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing
1/2 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
4 to 6 leaves fresh basil, torn
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 pound pizza dough, divided into 4 balls
2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella
12 ounces pepperoni, thinly sliced
Grated Parmesan, to taste

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepot over medium-low heat. Add the onions and saute until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add in the tomato paste and saute for 1 more minute. Stir in the diced tomatoes, sugar and season with salt and pepper. Add the torn basil leaves and bring to a slow simmer. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes while you make your pizza pocket.
Roll out the dough balls on a lightly floured surface into 4 equal rounds. On half of each round, layer some mozzarella, and then some pepperoni slices. Fold in half, covering the filling, and then fold the outer edges up and crimp the edges with your fingers to seal. Place the pockets on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Bake until golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with the sauce on the side.