Did you know that Pizza Rustica, also known as “Easter Pie,” is a traditional Italian dish typically enjoyed during Easter festivities?
This hearty pie isn’t your typical slice of pizza; it’s a deep-dish, savory masterpiece filled with a rich blend of cheeses and cured meats encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our tried and tested Pizza Rustica Recipe. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and create lasting memories.
Ingredients to Make Pizza Rustica
Today’s recipe is an authentic version of Pizza Rustica that incorporates traditional ingredients for a truly indulgent experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
1) For The Shortcrust Pastry
- All-purpose flour forms the base of our pastry, offering a perfect structure and tenderness to the crust.
- Sugar is added in a modest amount to the pastry, subtly enhancing its flavor without making it sweet. It complements the savory fillings by balancing the overall taste profile.
- Kosher salt is used to season the pastry. It not only accentuates the flavors of the other ingredients but also strengthens the dough’s structure.
- Unsalted butter, chilled and diced, is crucial for achieving a flaky and tender pastry. It should be cut into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, allowing for pockets of steam that create layers in the crust.
- Eggs play a dual role. One egg is used in the pastry dough to enrich it, adding to its color and structure, while another egg, beaten, is used as an egg wash to give the crust a beautiful golden sheen.
- Lemon, specifically its zest, is a secret ingredient that brings a bright, citrus note to the pastry, subtly lifting the flavors of the rich fillings.
- White wine is an unconventional but traditional addition to the pastry dough, providing moisture and a slight acidity that yields a tender crust.
2) For The Filling
- Milk Ricotta serves as the creamy base of the filling, offering a delicate and light texture that balances the richness of the meats. Ensure it’s well-drained to keep the filling from becoming too wet.
- Eggs are crucial for binding the filling, helping to create a custard-like consistency that envelops the cheese and meats.
- Fresh Mozzarella adds a delightful stretchiness and moisture to the pie, melting beautifully when baked.
- Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese brings a sharp, salty flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy ricotta and mozzarella.
- Salami and Mortadella are the savory stars of the show, introducing a depth of flavor with their spiced and cured profiles.
- Parsley offers a fresh, herbaceous element, cutting through the richness of the filling.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice, enhancing the overall flavor palette of the pie. A generous seasoning throughout the filling brings all the flavors together.
Step by Step Instructions
When you’ve finished preparing the ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get ready to make Pizza Rustica! Here are the detailed step-by-step instructions:
1) Make The Dough
Step 1: Sift the Flour
In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour along with the sugar and kosher salt. This step helps to remove any lumps and aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter pastry crust.
Step 2: Incorporate the Butter
Add the chilled, diced, unsalted butter to the flour mixture.
Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This texture is crucial for achieving a flaky crust as it allows steam to form layers as the pastry bakes.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a well in the center of your flour mixture. Add one beaten egg, the zest of one lemon, and a splash of white wine.
Using a fork, gently start to mix the wet ingredients into the flour, gradually bringing everything together. Be careful not to overwork the dough at this stage to keep the pastry tender.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to gently knead it into a ball.
If the dough seems too dry, add a tiny bit more wine. However, be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it can lead to a tough dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap your dough ball in plastic wrap and flatten it slightly to form a disk.
Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to roll out later, and also ensures the butter stays cold, which is imperative for a flaky crust.
Step 6: Ready for Use
Once the dough has chilled and you’re ready to assemble your Pizza Rustica, take it out of the refrigerator.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to fit your pie dish, keeping it an even thickness to ensure uniform baking.
2) Prepare The Filling
Step 1: Drain the Ricotta
Begin by placing the milk ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl.
Allow it to drain for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring the filling stays firm and not too wet. You can gently press the ricotta with a spoon to help the process.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed. This will help them incorporate more easily into the ricotta, providing a smoother, more even texture for the filling.
Step 3: Mix the Cheeses
To the beaten eggs, add the drained ricotta, cubed or shredded fresh mozzarella, and freshly grated Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Stir gently but thoroughly to combine all the cheeses. The mixture should appear uniform and creamy.
Step 4: Add the Meats
Chop the salami and mortadella into small, bite-sized pieces.
Fold these into the cheese and egg mixture, distributing them evenly. This ensures that each slice of the Pizza Rustica will have a balanced mix of savory meats.
Step 5: Season the Filling
Sprinkle in the chopped parsley, and add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Mix well to distribute the herbs and seasoning throughout the filling. This will add a fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors of the meats and cheeses.
Step 6: Final Stir
Give the filling one final stir to ensure everything is well-mixed and evenly distributed.
Now, the filling is ready to be layered into the pastry-lined pie dish, bringing you one step closer to enjoying a traditional Pizza Rustica.
3) Assemble The Torta
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly heated oven ensures that your Pizza Rustica bakes evenly, achieving a golden-brown crust and perfectly melted filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Dish
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Then, gently lay the rolled-out dough across the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess overhang. The dough should be evenly distributed with no thin spots, preventing leaks and ensuring a uniform bake.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Fill the pie crust with the ready mixture, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to distribute it smoothly and evenly across the dish. Make sure the surface is flat and consistent to prevent any uneven cooking or air gaps.
Step 4: Cover with Dough
Stretch out the leftover dough to form the upper crust of the Pizza Rustica.
Gently lay it on top of the mixture, cutting off any surplus dough around the borders.
Press the edges of the top and bottom dough layers together to seal the torta. This helps to lock in all the flavors and ensures the filling cooks in its own steam, enhancing its taste.
Step 5: Vent the Torta
With a sharp knife, make several small slits on the top layer of the dough. These serve as vents, allowing steam to escape during baking and preventing the dough from becoming soggy.
For a decorative touch, you can carve a simple design or initials into the top crust.
Step 6: Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat an egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture gently over the top of the torta. The egg wash will give the crust a beautiful, glossy finish and a rich, golden color as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake the Torta
Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. When done, the crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be hot and bubbly.
Step 8: Cooling
Remove the torta from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the filling set, making it easier to cut and serve neatly.
Step 9: Serve
Once cooled, slice the Pizza Rustica into wedges and serve. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal or celebration.
With these steps, you’ll have assembled a traditional, delicious Pizza Rustica, ready to impress and delight your guests with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.
Expert Tips for Achieving the Perfect Pizza Rustica
After getting well-versed in the basics of making Pizza Rustica, there are some expert tips you can follow to take your dish to the next level.
First, ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter for the dough and the eggs for the filling, are at the right temperatures. Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust, while room-temperature eggs blend more seamlessly into the filling.
Secondly, do not overwork the dough; minimal handling ensures it remains tender and flaky. When rolling out the dough, keep it chilled and work quickly to prevent it from becoming tough.
For the filling, balance is key—too much cheese can make it overly dense, while too much meat can overpower the other flavors.
Lastly, pay attention to the baking process. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your torta in its final minutes of baking to ensure a golden crust without overcooking the filling.
By following these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a Pizza Rustica that’s both delicious and visually stunning.
Storage and Reheat
If you consider the way to store and reheat this savory dish, you’ll be glad to know it’s quite simple. Proper storage and reheating methods are pivotal to maintaining the delightful taste and texture of your Pizza Rustica.
To store:
- Allow the torta to cool completely to room temperature.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days, ensuring it remains fresh and delicious.
For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled torta tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat:
- Remove the torta from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even heating.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the torta on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from burning.
- Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the interior is warmed through.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating.
- Serve and enjoy your Pizza Rustica as if it were freshly baked.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pizza Rustica recipe is a delightful dish that brings together various Italian flavors to create a savory and satisfying meal. The combination of meats, cheeses, and eggs makes it a rich and indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions or simply as a delicious addition to any meal.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, along with some expert tips, you can easily assemble your own Pizza Rustica at home and impress your loved ones with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation.
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Pizza Rustica Recipe
Ingredients
For The Shortcrust Pastry
- All-purpose flour: 3 1/2 cups about 420 grams
- Sugar: 1/4 cup about 50 grams
- Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon about 5 grams
- Unsalted butter chilled and diced: 1 cup (2 sticks or about 226 grams)
- Eggs: 3 large 1 for the dough, 2 for the egg wash
- Lemon zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- White wine: 1/4 cup about 60 ml
For The Filling
- Milk Ricotta: 2 cups about 500 grams, well-drained
- Eggs: 4 large whisked
- Fresh Mozzarella: 1 cup about 150 grams, cut into small cubes or shredded
- Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese: 1 cup about 100 grams, freshly grated
- Salami and Mortadella: 1/2 cup about 60 grams of each, chopped
- Parsley: 1/4 cup about 15 grams, finely chopped
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: to taste approximately 1 teaspoon (about 2 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough - Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter, add wine, knead gently, and chill.
- Prepare the Filling - Drain ricotta, whisk eggs, mix in cheeses, add meats, season, and stir.
- Assemble the Torta:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease the pie dish, and line it with dough.
- Spoon in filling evenly.
- Cover with rolled-out dough, seal the edges, and vent the top.
- Apply egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Bake until golden brown (45 minutes to 1 hour).
- Cool before serving to allow filling to set.
- Each step is designed to ensure the Pizza Rustica comes out perfectly, balancing the textures and flavors for a delightful experience.