This torta rustica unites cornmeal pastry, four kinds of cheese, spinach, sliced ham or prosciutto, and roasted red peppers into a hearty and savory pie.
Preparation Time
30 mins
Cooking Time
60 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Calories
589 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Whisk flour, cornmeal, and salt together in a bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat 2 eggs with 3 tablespoons cold water; stir into flour mixture until dough holds together, adding 1 tablespoon more cold water if needed. Shape 2/3 of dough into a flattened round; repeat with remaining 1/3 dough. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm enough to roll, at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C). Set aside a 9-inch springform pan.
Step 3
Meanwhile, stir ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, 1 egg, parsley, basil, and oregano together in a bowl until combined.
Step 4
Roll out larger dough portion on a lightly floured surface into a 15-inch circle. Carefully place in ungreased springform pan; press lightly against bottom and sides. Trim overhanging dough to 1-inch from pan rim.
Step 5
Scatter 1 cup mozzarella over crust; arrange 1/2 ham slices in an even layer. Spread ricotta cheese mixture on top, then sprinkle with spinach. Cover with remaining 1/2 ham slices. Press down gently to pack layers. Add red peppers in a single layer and top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Press down again.
Step 6
Roll out remaining 1/3 dough on a lightly floured surface into a 9-inch circle. Place over filling to cover. Moisten edges with water; seal crusts together. Crimp or flute edges. Crust should not extend above pan rim. Beat remaining 1 egg; brush over crust. Cut several small vents in top crust for steam to escape.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven until crust is deep golden brown and pulls away from sides, about 1 hour.
Step 8
Cool in pan on wire rack for 45 minutes. Remove pan sides; cool completely. Cut into 12 wedges. Serve at room temperature.
Ingredients
2 eggs
4 tablespoons cold water
4 ounces feta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
0.5 teaspoon salt
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cup chopped parsley
1.5 cups ricotta cheese
0.75 cup cornmeal
0.75 cup butter, diced
0.5 pound ham slices
0.5 (16 ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and patted dry
