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Rustic Pie with Ricotta and Spinach

17/11/2023

The rustic pie with ricotta and spinach is a classic Italian dish also known as a savory pie or quiche. It is perfect for an outdoor lunch, a buffet, or as a single dish accompanied by a fresh green salad. I will provide you with a basic recipe, but remember that you can always personalize it to your liking.

Ingredients

  • 1 roll of brisée or puff pastry (about 230g)
  • 500g of fresh spinach or 250g if they are already boiled or frozen
  • 250g of ricotta cheese
  • 100g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt, as needed
  • Pepper, as needed
  • Nutmeg, as needed (optional)
  • 1 clove of garlic (optional)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

  1. Preparation of the spinach:

    • If using fresh spinach, first wash them well and cook them in a pan with a bit of oil and a peeled garlic clove until they have wilted. If you have precooked (boiled or frozen) spinach, make sure to squeeze them well to remove any excess water.
    • Let the spinach cool and then chop it roughly.

  2. Preparation of the filling:

    • In a large bowl, mix the ricotta with the grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Add the eggs, a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste and mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
    • Incorporate the chopped spinach into the ricotta mixture and mix.

  3. Assembling the pie:

    • Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
    • Roll out the brisée pastry in a previously oiled or parchment-lined pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork.
    • Pour the ricotta and spinach filling onto the brisée pastry base and smooth the surface.

  4. Baking:

    • Place the rustic pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the pastry is cooked.
    • Remove the rustic pie with ricotta and spinach from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

The rustic pie with ricotta and spinach is a simple dish but full of flavors. If you wish, you can also add other cheeses like diced mozzarella or crumbled feta for an extra touch of taste.

Did you know?

In Italian cuisine, the savory pie is a versatile preparation found in many regional variations. In some areas, for example, pieces of cooked ham are added to further enrich the taste. For a lighter variant, you can also use cheeses with reduced-fat content.

Rustic Pie with Ricotta and Spinach