Puff Pastry with Cooked Ham, Ricotta, and Vegetables

Here is the recipe for a delicious puff pastry with cooked ham, ricotta, and vegetables, a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a second course, or even as a single dish for a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 rectangular roll of puff pastry
• 150 g of sliced cooked ham
• 250 g of ricotta cheese
• 1 zucchini
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 small eggplant (optional)
• 100 g of grated cheese (like Parmesan or Pecorino)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg for brushing (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Wash and slice the vegetables thinly, then grill or pan-cook them with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are soft but still crunchy.
3. Roll out the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread a uniform layer of ricotta on the puff pastry, leaving a 2 cm border along the edges.
5. On top of the ricotta, add a layer of grilled vegetables and cover with the slices of cooked ham.
6. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the cooked ham.
7. You can roll the pastry onto itself to form a roll or fold it in half to create a sort of rectangular calzone.
8. Brush the surface of the puff pastry with a beaten egg to give it a shiny golden finish during baking.
9. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
10. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Curiosity

Puff pastry is a very versatile preparation that lends itself to numerous variations. This version with ricotta and vegetables creates a light and tasty combination, ideal for those looking for a complete and nutritious dish. In Italy, puff pastry is very much loved for its crispiness and the speed with which a delicious and inviting dish can be prepared.