Pizza Rustica Recipe
Pizza Rustica Recipe
Table of Contents
Pizza Rustica Recipe
Pizza Rustica Recipe, also known as Italian Easter pie, is a savory pastry that is a staple of Italian cuisine, particularly during Easter celebrations. This rustic pizza is typically filled with a combination of meats, cheeses, and eggs, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Rich in flavor and hearty, it’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Learn how to make this traditional Italian delight with this easy to follow recipe.
Description
Pizza Rustica Recipe is a beloved Italian dish, often made during Easter, but it’s a great choice for any time you want to indulge in a delicious, savory pie. This dish is known by many names: it’s called pizza chiena in the Naples region, or torta rustica in central Italy. Regardless of the name, the essence remains the same a deep dish pie filled with savory ingredients that are both rich and satisfying.
The base of Pizza Rustica Recipe is its tender crust, which is usually made with flour, butter, and eggs, resulting in a perfectly flaky texture. It contrasts beautifully with the hearty and flavorful filling, which often includes ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a variety of meats like salami, ham, or sausage. The combination of the creamy cheeses, savory meats, and hard boiled eggs creates a filling that’s both rich and satisfying. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for a festive family meal or a picnic.
This Pizza Rustica Recipe is not only easy to make but can also be adapted to suit your tastes. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can replace the meats with vegetables or additional cheeses. Whether you’re making this dish for Easter or any special occasion, Pizza Rustica Recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons cold water (or as needed)
- 1/2 pound ricotta cheese
- 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage, crumbled and cooked
- 1/4 cup salami, diced
- 4 large eggs, hard boiled and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the egg. Gradually pour in the cold water, stirring until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time. Once the dough has formed, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the cooked ham, sausage, salami, and hard boiled eggs. Season with black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir to combine, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed. If desired, add fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.
- Assemble the Pizza Rustica: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring that it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges. Spoon the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top the Pie: Roll out a second piece of dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork or by pinching the dough. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Pizza Rustica: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve: Serve Pizza Rustica warm or at room temperature. This savory pie pairs perfectly with a simple salad or fresh vegetables. Enjoy your homemade Italian delicacy.
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Pizza Rustica Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons cold water or as needed
- 1/2 pound ricotta cheese
- 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked ham diced
- 1/2 cup Italian sausage crumbled and cooked
- 1/4 cup salami diced
- 4 large eggs hard boiled and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and add the egg. Gradually pour in the cold water, stirring until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time. Once the dough has formed, shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add the cooked ham, sausage, salami, and hard boiled eggs. Season with black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir to combine, making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed. If desired, add fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.
- Assemble the Pizza Rustica: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring that it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough from the edges. Spoon the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top the Pie: Roll out a second piece of dough and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork or by pinching the dough. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Pizza Rustica: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve: Serve Pizza Rustica warm or at room temperature. This savory pie pairs perfectly with a simple salad or fresh vegetables. Enjoy your homemade Italian delicacy!
Notes
- You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using.
- For a lighter version, you can opt for a lower fat ricotta and skip the salami.
- If you don’t have a 9-inch pie dish, you can use a tart pan or even make mini pies for individual servings.
- Pizza Rustica can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
