Torta Rustica: A Classic Italian Savory Pie

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Torta Rustica

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the filling:
• 1 lb spinach fresh or frozen
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 onion finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Method
• Prepare the crust:
• Start by making the crust. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Knead it briefly, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Cook the filling:
• In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and golden. Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh), or simply heat through if using frozen. Season with salt and pepper.
• Once the spinach mixture cools, mix it with ricotta, Parmesan, and eggs until smooth.
• Assemble the Torta Rustica:
• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit your pie or tart pan. Press it into the base and sides.
• Fill the crust with the spinach and cheese mixture. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the top, pinching the edges to seal. Cut a small slit in the top to allow steam to escape.
• Bake the pie:
• Brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Variations:
• Vegetarian: You can swap out spinach for other greens like Swiss chard or kale. For a richer filling, add mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
• Meat Option: Some variations include prosciutto or sausage for added flavor.
• Tips:
• Crust Texture: Make sure your butter and water are cold to get a flaky crust.
• Spinach Prep: If using fresh spinach, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a soggy pie.
• Make-Ahead: This pie stores well and can be made a day in advance for a quick lunch or dinner.

Keyword Torta Rustica

Torta Rustica, or “Rustic Pie,” is a delicious Italian dish that’s often enjoyed as a savory lunch or appetizer. This comforting pie has a rich filling, traditionally made with spinach and cheeses like ricotta and Parmesan, encased in a crispy, flaky crust. It’s a beloved dish in many regions of Italy, with variations found across the country. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish from my own personal experience.

Origin of Torta Rustica

Torta Rustica is especially popular in regions like Abruzzo, where simple, seasonal ingredients are key. The pie embodies the rustic, hearty flavors of Italian countryside cooking, often made with whatever vegetables are in season, including spinach, Swiss chard, or even mushrooms.

Notes on What to Expect:

This pie has a deliciously crispy, flaky crust and a creamy, savory filling. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a family lunch to a special dinner. The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 1 lb spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Torta Rustica  now.

Method

1. Prepare the crust:

• Start by making the crust. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Knead it briefly, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook the filling:

• In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until soft and golden. Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh), or simply heat through if using frozen. Season with salt and pepper.
• Once the spinach mixture cools, mix it with ricotta, Parmesan, and eggs until smooth.

3. Assemble the Torta Rustica:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to fit your pie or tart pan. Press it into the base and sides.
• Fill the crust with the spinach and cheese mixture. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the top, pinching the edges to seal. Cut a small slit in the top to allow steam to escape.

4. Bake the pie:

• Brush the top of the pie with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water) and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: You can swap out spinach for other greens like Swiss chard or kale. For a richer filling, add mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.
• Meat Option: Some variations include prosciutto or sausage for added flavor.

Tips:

• Crust Texture: Make sure your butter and water are cold to get a flaky crust.
• Spinach Prep: If using fresh spinach, be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid a soggy pie.
• Make-Ahead: This pie stores well and can be made a day in advance for a quick lunch or dinner.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Torta Rustica  now.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 12g

Equipment Needed:

• Tart or pie pan
• Rolling pin
• Frying pan for sautéing
• Mixing bowl
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Torta Rustica  now.

I hope this guide has made making Torta Rustica seem a little less daunting, or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this classic Italian dish!