This savory pie, called torta pasqualina in Italy, is many times made for special occasions because the preparation is a bit fiddly. The finished product, though, is impressive to behold, and you're sure to draw compliments from your dining companions. Traditional cooks use a strudel-like pastry, rolled out very thin into a large circle, for the pie. At least four layers are necessary, brushed with oil to achieve a flaky crust. (You can get good results with phyllo dough or ordinary pie dough.)
Provided by David Tanis
Categories dinner, weekday, pies and tarts, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Make the dough: Put flour in a large mixing bowl. Stir together 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt and 4 tablespoons oil, then pour over flour and mix until dough comes together in a rough ball. Turn out onto a floured board and knead until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes, adding more flour if dough is sticky. Wrap and set aside at room temperature for 30 minutes. (May refrigerate overnight and bring to room temperature.)
- Make the filling: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Working in batches, blanch a handful of greens at a time, dropping them into the water until just wilted, then cooling in a colander under running water. Divide greens into 4 balls and squeeze to remove as much water as possible. Chop greens coarsely with a large knife, then squeeze again. There should be about 4 cups cooked greens.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add onions and a little salt and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add greens, season generously with salt and pepper, and mix well. Turn off heat. Add nutmeg, ricotta and half the Parmesan and mix. Taste and adjust; it should be highly seasoned. Beat 4 of the eggs. Set aside 3 tablespoons beaten egg; add remaining beaten egg to greens and mix well. Let cool.
- Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cut dough into 4 pieces and form into balls. Roll out each ball into a very thin 12-inch circle. Place 1 dough circle on a 12-inch pizza pan lined with parchment. Brush lightly with oil, then lay another dough circle on top. Spoon greens evenly over dough to a 2-inch thickness, leaving a 1-inch border of dough. Smooth the surface. With a soup spoon, make 5 indentations in greens and crack a raw egg into each depression. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Cover with another dough circle and paint lightly with oil. Place last dough circle on top. Using a paring knife, trim any excess dough at perimeter of pie. Fold outer edges together and crimp to seal pie. Paint top with reserved beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Using a paring knife, make 2 or 3 steam vents.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until very well browned. Slide torta onto a cutting board and let cool slightly before slicing. May also be served at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 330, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 33 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 555 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
Dipalesa Makosholo
[email protected]This recipe is a waste of time. The torta pasqualina was not worth the effort.
Xenia Thoma
[email protected]I tried this recipe twice and both times the pie turned out dry. I'm not sure what I did wrong.
Chima Godwin
[email protected]I was disappointed with the torta pasqualina. The filling was bland and the crust was soggy.
Amakali Shikongo
[email protected]The torta pasqualina was a bit too salty for my taste, but overall it was a good recipe.
Zulfiquar Ali
[email protected]This was my first time making torta pasqualina, and I'm so glad I tried your recipe. It was easier than I thought it would be, and the results were amazing.
gregory landvater
[email protected]I love that this recipe uses fresh spinach. It really makes a difference in the flavor of the pie.
Abdulazeez Jimo
[email protected]This is the best torta pasqualina I've ever had. The filling is so rich and flavorful.
Moses Scorpionish
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the torta pasqualina turned out perfectly. It was so delicious!
Edgar Rosales
[email protected]This pie is amazing! I love the combination of the creamy filling and the flaky crust.
Olivia mary
[email protected]I've made this torta pasqualina several times now, and it's always a hit. It's the perfect dish for a special occasion.
Vithu Vithu
[email protected]The torta pasqualina was a bit time-consuming to make, but it was definitely worth the effort. The pie was a showstopper at my Easter dinner.
William Weldon
[email protected]This was my first time making a savory pie, and I'm so glad I chose this recipe. The torta pasqualina was absolutely delicious!
Dan Torres
[email protected]I've never made a torta pasqualina before, but this recipe was easy to follow and the results were amazing! The pie was beautiful and delicious.
Kha Faziii
[email protected]This torta pasqualina was a huge hit with my family! The filling was creamy and flavorful, and the crust was flaky and golden brown. I will definitely be making this again.