Rustici

Rustici are a widely appreciated snack in Southern Italy, particularly in Puglia and Campania, where they are commonly found in snack bars. They are savory puff pastries, typically filled with tomato and mozzarella, sometimes with the addition of béchamel sauce and other ingredients. Below, I propose a basic recipe to prepare rustici.

Ingredients

• 500 g of puff pastry (you can use the ready-made one for convenience)
• 200 g of mozzarella
• 150 g of tomato sauce
• 50 g of béchamel sauce (optional)
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oregano to taste

Preparation

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into discs about 10 cm in diameter or into the shape you prefer.
3. In a bowl, mix the diced mozzarella with the tomato sauce. Add salt, pepper, and oregano to your taste. If desired, you can also include béchamel sauce at this stage for a creamier filling.
4. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each pastry disc.
5. Folding: you can fold the rustici into a half-moon shape or place another pastry disc on top and press the edges to seal them well.
6. Crimp the edges with the tines of a fork to ensure they stay closed during baking.
7. Brush the rustici with the beaten egg yolk to achieve an even browning in the oven.
8. Bake the rustici on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Interesting Facts

Rustici are a perfect snack for aperitifs or picnics and are very popular for their convenience and captivating taste. In some variations, cooked ham or salami is also added to give a more flavorful note.

Remember that the recipe is customizable according to your tastes and the availability of ingredients. You can also play with shapes, perhaps making rustici in the shape of triangles or squares, depending on your preferences.