Italian spinach torta is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. This savory pie is made with a combination of spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and eggs, all wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you are looking for a main course or a side dish, Italian spinach torta is a great choice. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a great option for home cooks of all skill levels. So gather your ingredients and get ready to make this delicious Italian dish!
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
TORTA RUSTICA WITH RICOTTA AND SPINACH
Torta rustica (also called pizza rustica) is a rich, ricotta-stuffed pie that's traditionally baked for Easter in Southern Italy. This version includes greens (either spinach or chard) for color and freshness. The ham is optional; feel free to leave it out, or substitute chopped olives or sundried tomatoes if you're looking for a similar savory bite. The crust, adapted from Nancy Harmon Jenkins's 2007 cookbook, "Cucina del Sole," is sturdy and slightly sweet, which makes a nice contrast to the salty filling. (For more on producing a lattice-style crust, see our How to Make Pie Crust guide.)
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pies and tarts, main course
Time 2h
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture forms lima bean-size pieces. Alternatively, mix together flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl, then add butter, working the pieces into the flour with your hands, squeezing and pinching them until the mixture looks like oatmeal.
- Add egg, egg white and lemon zest, and pulse after each addition. If working by hand, whisk together egg, egg white and lemon zest in a separate bowl, then mix into the butter mixture. Slowly add iced wine, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse or mix by hand until the dough just comes together. You may not need all the liquid. The dough should be moist, but not wet.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and gather and press it into a ball. Divide into 2 portions, one slightly larger than the other, and shape into disks. Wrap the disks tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 5 days.
- When ready to bake, heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Make the filling: If your ricotta seems watery, put it in a sieve and let it drain while you cook the spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and a large pinch of salt, and continue to cook until spinach is very dry, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a large bowl to cool. If any liquid accumulates as the spinach sits, pour it out of the bowl (you don't want it to water down the ricotta).
- In a food processor, purée drained ricotta and eggs until just combined and smooth. Add to the bowl with the spinach and fold in mozzarella, pecorino, ham (if using), parsley, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, red-pepper flakes and nutmeg. Set aside when rolling out dough (or chill for up to 4 hours).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger pastry dough disk to a 14-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Fit dough into a 9-inch springform pan, pressing the dough up the sides of the pan. Scrape filling into crust and spread evenly. Roll out second pastry disk to a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Cut 1/2-inch-wide strips and weave into a lattice on top of the filling. Seal, trim and crimp the edges. Brush the top of the torta with the egg wash.
- Place torta on sheet pan and bake until crust is crisp and brown, and filling is firm, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes before serving.
SPINACH TORTA RUSTICA
A rustic Italian tart made with a buttery yeast dough and a spinach ricotta filling.
Provided by LIz Berg
Categories Bread
Time 2h50m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- To prepare the torta dough, sprinkle yeast over warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Add honey and let stand for 5 minutes. Mix in salt and 1/2 cup flour. Beat for about 3 minutes on medium speed.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until smooth. Gradually beat in the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour to make a soft dough. Beat in butter, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place till doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Make filling while the dough rises. To make the filling, saute onion in olive oil till soft and lightly browned. Stir in garlic and cook for less than a minute. Mix in spinach and remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolk. Mix in ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add spinach mixture.
- Punch down risen dough. Divide into two pieces, one slightly larger than the other. On a floured surface, roll larger piece into an 8-inch circle. Fit into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan.
- Spread evenly with filling. Roll the rest of the dough into a 9-inch square.
- Cut the square into 9 or 10 strips. Weave strips over the top of the filling to make a lattice pattern. Tuck the ends of the dough down around the filling.
- Preheat oven to 375º. Let torta rise for 15-20 minutes till dough puffs up slightly. Brush top of the dough with an egg beaten with water. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, till browned. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove rim. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Carbohydrate 31 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 134 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 21 grams fat, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 11 grams protein, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1 slice, Sodium 466 milligrams sodium, Sugar 3 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams unsaturated fat
SAUSAGE WITH SPINACH AND CHEESE TORTA
Sausage, Spinach & Cheese Torta is a 2013 Bisquick Family Favorites Recipe Contest award-winning recipe developed by Steve Beeson, 3rd Place, Wisconsin State Fair (Milwaukee, WI).
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375°F. Grease or spray 9-inch springform pan. In medium bowl, mash beans with potato masher until almost smooth. Stir in Bisquick mix and dressing. Spread mixture in bottom and up sides of springform pan.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 7 to 9 minutes or until no longer pink; drain. Remove from heat, and stir in spinach, tomatoes, oregano and 1 cup of the cheese; mix well. Spoon mixture over prebaked crust.
- In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and cream with whisk until light. Pour over sausage mixture.
- Bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes longer or until golden brown, center is firm, and knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes. Loosen edge of torta from side of pan; remove side of pan. Cut into 6 wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 540, Carbohydrate 47 g, Cholesterol 230 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 7 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 850 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 1 g
BEST EVER ITALIAN SPINACH
This is the best ever Italian Spinach. I believe it is very close to the recipe used by the Memphis resteraunt called Grisanti's. This recipe would also be VERY easy to double or triple. I hate eggs, and I love this recipe. My husband is not a huge 'green veggie' fan, and he loves this recipe. It is great, fast, easy, involves common ingredients, and will be a staple in your kitchen. I am going to try cooking in batches and putting in ziplocks to freeze (OAMC).
Provided by Katwomyn
Categories Spinach
Time 25m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Thaw spinach and squeeze out excess water.
- Now, squeeze some more and set aside.
- In a saute skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil and garlic.
- Cook until garlic is golden brown (don't burn it!).
- Add spinach and seasonings, saute for 3-4 minutes.
- Break in eggs and continue to saute and stir until eggs are cooked and thoroughly mixed into the spinach.
- Drain any excess oil and transfer to serving platter.
- Sprinkle grated Paremesan cheese over the top, amount to your liking.
MUSHROOM, SPINACH AND CHEESE TORTA
Phyllo dough layered with spinach and ricotta. Poppy seeds may be used in place of sesame seeds.
Provided by Christine
Categories Main Dish Recipes Savory Pie Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Saute onion and garlic in oil in large saucepan until onion is translucent. Add mushrooms and spinach and continue cooking until mushrooms have released their juices and spinach has wilted. Continue cooking until liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat.
- Beat eggs slightly in large bowl. Add ricotta and parmesan, sour cream, bread crumbs and parsley to eggs. Drain excess liquid from vegetables, then add to cheese mixture. Stir until well blended.
- Brush some of melted butter on large baking sheet. Count out 6 phyllo leaves and carefully lift them up and lay flat on buttered baking sheet.
- Spread filling over middle of leaves, leaving a 3 inch border all around. Brush edges with butter.
- On top of the filling, lay down 2 leaves of phyllo at a time, brushing top leaf with butter each time. After 4 pairs, fold corners of all phyllo leaves up over filling, and brush with butter.
- Lay down 2 more pairs of leaves, buttering top leaf of each pair. Tuck edges under torta, corners first, then sides. Sprinkle top with sesame or poppy seeds.
- Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 50 minutes or until filling is set and phyllo is crisp and golden. Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 734.9 calories, Carbohydrate 58.3 g, Cholesterol 168.1 mg, Fat 46.5 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 23.3 g, SaturatedFat 21.5 g, Sodium 1046.2 mg, Sugar 5 g
TORTA RUSTICA (SPINACH , TOMATO & CHEESE QUICHE)
This is an Italian holiday classic, but it's one that I will make all year. The sun-dried tomatoes supply a tangy sensation that complements the milder flavors of the quiche very well.
Provided by Finicky
Categories Savory Pies
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425. You can use the piecrust pan provided, or place one crust in a 9-inh pie pan for better presentation. Leave the other piecrust out to thaw.
- Lightly beat 1 egg; brush half the egg over bottom of crust and set the rest aside to use later on the top of the crust.
- In a large bowl, combine remaining eggs, ricotta, Asiago, and Parmesan cheese and basix; mix until well blended.
- Stir in spinach, bread crumbs and tomatoes.
- Scrape mixture into prepared piecrust; smooth top to make and even layer.
- Place second piecrust over filling.
- Brush remaining egg over the top.
- Flute edge and seal.
- Bake pie 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375; bake 20 minutes longer, or until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 600.3, Fat 38.5, SaturatedFat 14.7, Cholesterol 188.5, Sodium 799.4, Carbohydrate 41, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 3, Protein 23.5
ITALIAN BRUNCH TORTE
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. -Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 1h50m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press onto bottom of prepared pan to form a crust, sealing seams well. Bake until set, 10-15 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and mushrooms; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Drain on several layers of paper towels, blotting well. In a large bowl, whisk 6 eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper., Layer crust with half of each of the following: ham, salami, provolone cheese, red peppers and spinach mixture. Pour half of the egg mixture over top. Repeat layers; top with remaining egg mixture., On a work surface, unroll and separate remaining crescent dough into triangles. Press together to form a circle and seal seams; place over filling. Whisk remaining egg; brush over dough., Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, 1 to 1-1/4 hours, covering loosely with foil if needed to prevent overbrowning. Carefully loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove rim from pan. Let stand 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 24g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 167mg cholesterol, Sodium 1360mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 23g protein.
SAUSAGE, ROASTED RED PEPPER, AND SPINACH TORTA RUSTICA
Provided by Maria Helm Sinskey
Categories Egg Breakfast Brunch Bake Christmas High Fiber Sausage Spinach Bell Pepper Fall Fontina Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield 6 to 8 servings or 4 servings plus leftovers
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8x8x2-inch baking dish. Place 8 baguette slices in bottom of dish; press 2 baguette slices onto each side. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add spinach; toss until just wilted, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to strainer; cool. Squeeze spinach dry. Transfer to medium bowl.
- Heat same pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage. Sauté until cooked through, breaking up, about 7 minutes. Mix into spinach; mix in 1 cup cheese and peppers. Spread atop baguette slices in bottom of dish. Whisk eggs in medium bowl to blend.
- Whisk in last 4 ingredients. Pour over spinach mixture and stir lightly with fork to distribute evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over. Bake torta until puffed and golden and center is set, about 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before serving.
ITALIAN SPINACH AND RICOTTA PIE
This Italian spinach and ricotta pie (torta pasqualina) from the region Liguria is traditionally eaten for Easter, but can of course be served any time of the year.
Provided by PaolaAlbanesi
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 1h25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place spinach in a skillet over medium heat and cook until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain, squeeze dry, and chop finely.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat and add onion. Cook until onion starts to soften, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 2 whole eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the cooled spinach mixture.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan or pie dish.
- Unwrap the phyllo dough. Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent phyllo sheets from drying out.
- Lay 1 sheet of phyllo over the buttered dish flush with the edge so that excess phyllo hangs over on only one side of the dish. Brush lightly with melted butter. Top with another sheet of phyllo at a slight angle to the first one. Continue in this manner, with up to 12 sheets, brushing each sheet with butter and working clockwise to lay each at a slight angle to the previous sheet.
- Spoon cheese and spinach mixture evenly into the phyllo-lined dish. Using the back of a spoon, make six indentations in the filling, then carefully place 1 egg yolk in each. Season each yolk with salt and pepper and drizzle with a bit of melted butter.
- Take the extra phyllo dough hanging over the edges of the dish and fold it over to the centre to cover the filling, 1 sheet of phyllo at a time, brushing each one with butter. Brush the top of the whole pie with butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the phyllo pastry is a dark golden brown, about 40 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 450.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.9 g, Cholesterol 326.7 mg, Fat 28.6 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 21.4 g, SaturatedFat 15.2 g, Sodium 654.3 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
ITALIAN SPINACH TORTA
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400°F. Place oven rack at lowest position. Prepare pie crust according to package directions for TWO-CRUST PIE using 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom or 9-inch pie pan. Place 1 prepared pie crust in pan press in bottom and up sides of pan. Trim edges if necessary.In medium bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic salt, pepper and egg yolk blend well. Spread evenly in pie crust-lined pan.To make lattice top, cut remaining crust into 3/4-inch-wide strips. Arrange strips in lattice design over spinach mixture. Trim and seal edges. In small bowl, combine egg white and water beat well. Gently brush over lattice. Bake at 400° F. on lowest oven rack for 45 to 50 minutes or until dark golden brown.* Cool 10 minutes remove sides of pan. Serve warm.*TIP: Cover torta with foil during last 5 to 10 minutes of baking if necessary to prevent excessive browning.Nutrition Per Serving: Calories 220 Protein 6g Carbohydrate 18g Fat 14g Sodium 480mgFrom "Pillsbury Best of the Bake-Off® Cookbook." Copyright 2004 General Mills. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach, eggs, and cheese will give your torta the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the spinach: Overcooked spinach will be mushy and lose its flavor.
- Use a good quality cheese: A good quality Parmesan cheese will add a lot of flavor to your torta.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter will make your torta tough.
- Bake the torta until it is golden brown: A golden brown crust will indicate that your torta is cooked through.
- Let the torta cool before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld and the torta to set.
Conclusion:
Italian spinach torta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its combination of fresh spinach, eggs, cheese, and spices, Italian spinach torta is a surefire hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting dish to try, give Italian spinach torta a try. You won't be disappointed!
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