Italian Cheese Rustica Pie Recipes

ITALIAN CHEESE RUSTICA PIE

Steps:

• 1. Make Pie Crust as directed on box for two crust pie, using 9" pie plate. Move oven rack to lowest position. Heat oven to 375.
• 2. In a large bowl, slightly beat 3 eggs. Stir in ham, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, 3 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, parsley, oregano, and pepper. Spoon mixture into pie crust-lined pan. Top with second crust; seal edges and flute. Cut slits in crust in several places. Brush beaten egg over top. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.
• 3. Place pan on lowest oven rack. Bake 50-60 min or until golden brown. Cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15-20 min of baking to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 10 min before serving.

ITALIAN SAVORY RUSTIC PIE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 350° (180° celsius). Lightly grease a 7 or 8 inch (18 - 20 centimeter) pie/cake pan.
• ** If you want to make your own dough you can use this recipe, the pinch of sugar may be eliminated. Easy Homemade Pie Dough or Savory Pie Dough

TORTA RUSTICA

Steps:

• Mix flour, cornmeal, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat 2 eggs with 3 tablespoons cold water; stir into flour mixture until dough holds together. Add another tablespoon water if needed. Shape 2/3 of the dough into flattened round; repeat with remaining 1/3. Wrap. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to roll.
• In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, parsley, basil, and oregano until well blended.
• Have an 8 or 9 inch springform pan ready. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough into a 15 inch diameter circle. Carefully place in ungreased pan; press lightly against bottom and sides. Trim overhanging dough to 1 inch from pan rim.
• Scatter half of the mozzarella over the bottom of the crust. Next arrange half the ham slices in an even layer. Spread with ricotta cheese mixture, then sprinkle with spinach. Cover with the remaining ham slices. Press down gently to pack layers. Add red peppers in a single layer, and top with the remaining mozzarella. Press down again.
• Roll out remaining dough to 8 or 9 inch circle. Place over filling to cover. Moisten edges, and seal crusts together. Crimp or flute edges. Crust should not extend above pan rim. Beat remaining egg, and brush over the crust. Cut several small vents in top crust for steam to escape.
• Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until crust is deep golden brown and pulls away from sides. Cool in pan on wire rack 45 minutes. Remove pan sides; cool completely. Cut into 12 wedges. Serve at room temperature.