Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Torta Rustica, a savory Italian pie that combines the vibrant flavors of spinach, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese. This versatile dish, also known as Italian Spinach Pie or Rustic Vegetable Tart, offers a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your palate. With three variations to choose from, including a classic recipe, a gluten-free alternative, and a vegan option, we cater to diverse dietary preferences.
Dive into the traditional Torta Rustica recipe, where a flaky, golden crust encases a hearty filling of sautéed spinach, ripe tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. For those seeking a healthier option, our gluten-free version utilizes almond flour and tapioca flour to create a crispy, delectable crust, while maintaining the same delectable filling.
And for our vegan friends, we present a plant-based marvel. This vegan Torta Rustica features a flavorful combination of tofu, spinach, tomatoes, and vegan cheese, all nestled within a flaky gluten-free crust. Enjoy the same satisfaction and indulgence without compromising on taste or ethical choices.
No matter your dietary preferences, our Torta Rustica recipes offer a delightful culinary experience. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this stunning dish that is perfect for any occasion, be it a casual brunch, a festive gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner.
SPINACH, PARMESAN AND TOMATO QUICHE
Speed up the preparation of this savory quiche with a frozen pie shell and frozen chopped spinach.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 2h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- For the crust: Par-bake the crust according to package directions. Let cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Adjust the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
- For the filling: Sprinkle the chives evenly over the crust. Toss the Parmesan, spinach and tomato in a small bowl and sprinkle it in an even layer over the chives.
- For the custard: Whisk the heavy cream, rosemary, eggs, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in a medium bowl.
- Pour the custard over the filling and bake until the quiche is set, 35 to 50 minutes. Let cool at least 30 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
- Copyright 2016 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.
AUTUMN TORTE RUSTICA
The wonderful flavor and lovely look of this cheese and vegetable pie is worth the bit of extra effort it takes to prepare it. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness that's irresistible. Slices make a great appetizer, or serve it with soup or salad as a light meal. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h10m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°. Place squash slices on baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Lightly spritz with cooking spray. Bake 15 minutes or until tender., Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine two eggs, cheeses and sage. In a small bowl, whisk water and remaining egg; set aside., In a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Stir in the spinach, garlic and nutmeg. Cook and stir for 2 minutes; set aside., Unfold one pastry sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a 14-in. square. Press onto bottom and up sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan, allowing excess pastry to drape over edges. Brush with reserved egg mixture. , Layer with half of the squash, cheese mixture and spinach. Repeat layers. Roll out the remaining pastry into a 10-in. square; place over filling. Trim edges; fold the bottom pastry over the top and press edges to seal. Reroll pastry trimmings. Cut out with a small leaf cookie cutter; place on torte. Brush pastry with egg mixture., Place pan on baking sheet. Bake at 400° 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack to cool for 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 24g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 88mg cholesterol, Sodium 434mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
TANTALIZING TORTA RUSTICA
This is a delicious pie best eaten cooled to room temperature, perhaps on a nice picnic with some salad or boiled potatoes. For a more buttery crust substitute 4.5oz of shortening with butter.
Provided by Pie Queen
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 1h40m
Yield 8-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Rub the shortening into flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Keep the ingredients as cold as possible and rub using fingertips only.
- Add enough ice water to form a dough that comes cleanly away from the bowl.
- Wrap in plastic and allow to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.
- Heat the pizza stone and oven to 375°F Using the pizza stone prevents the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Sun-dried tomato layer - Combine the feta, ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes and blend in a food processor.
- Add the egg and continue to blend until a paste is formed.
- Mix in grated asiago cheese and pine nuts and place in covered bowl and set aside in fridge.
- Spinach layer - thaw and drain spinach. Dry the spinach with kitchen towels, it is important this is not too moist or the pastry will become soggy.
- Combine spinach, thinly sliced shallots, cayenne pepper flakes and Italian herbs.
- Roll out the 2/3 pastry to approximately a 10" circle. Lightly dust the cake tin with corn flour.
- Line the cake tin (7" diameter, 3" deep springform pan) with the rolled pastry. Brush the pastry with egg white and allow to air dry. This will also help to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Layer half mozzarella in to the bottom, follow with half the sun dried tomato mixture, next spinach layer, then roasted red peppers. Place all of the artichokes in the next middle layer and repeat with the other half. Make sure the peppers and artichoke are dried with kitchen towel to prevent crust sogginess.
- You can layer the torta whatever way you like - be creative!
- Roll out the remaining pastry and cut into 1" strips. Place over the torta to create a lattice and seal with the bottom crust.
- Brush the top of the pastry with milk.
- Bake at 375F for 50-60 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan. You can invert the pan into a plate and repeat to turn the correct way around. Best served at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 763.7, Fat 51.1, SaturatedFat 16.2, Cholesterol 70.6, Sodium 503.4, Carbohydrate 56.4, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 1.8, Protein 21.6
SPINACH TORTA RUSTICA
A rustic Italian tart made with a buttery yeast dough and a spinach ricotta filling.
Provided by LIz Berg
Categories Bread
Time 2h50m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- To prepare the torta dough, sprinkle yeast over warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Add honey and let stand for 5 minutes. Mix in salt and 1/2 cup flour. Beat for about 3 minutes on medium speed.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until smooth. Gradually beat in the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour to make a soft dough. Beat in butter, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place till doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Make filling while the dough rises. To make the filling, saute onion in olive oil till soft and lightly browned. Stir in garlic and cook for less than a minute. Mix in spinach and remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolk. Mix in ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add spinach mixture.
- Punch down risen dough. Divide into two pieces, one slightly larger than the other. On a floured surface, roll larger piece into an 8-inch circle. Fit into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan.
- Spread evenly with filling. Roll the rest of the dough into a 9-inch square.
- Cut the square into 9 or 10 strips. Weave strips over the top of the filling to make a lattice pattern. Tuck the ends of the dough down around the filling.
- Preheat oven to 375º. Let torta rise for 15-20 minutes till dough puffs up slightly. Brush top of the dough with an egg beaten with water. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, till browned. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove rim. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Carbohydrate 31 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 134 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 21 grams fat, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 11 grams protein, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1 slice, Sodium 466 milligrams sodium, Sugar 3 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams unsaturated fat
TORTA RUSTICA WITH RICOTTA AND SPINACH
Torta rustica (also called pizza rustica) is a rich, ricotta-stuffed pie that's traditionally baked for Easter in Southern Italy. This version includes greens (either spinach or chard) for color and freshness. The ham is optional; feel free to leave it out, or substitute chopped olives or sundried tomatoes if you're looking for a similar savory bite. The crust, adapted from Nancy Harmon Jenkins's 2007 cookbook, "Cucina del Sole," is sturdy and slightly sweet, which makes a nice contrast to the salty filling. (For more on producing a lattice-style crust, see our How to Make Pie Crust guide.)
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pies and tarts, main course
Time 2h
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture forms lima bean-size pieces. Alternatively, mix together flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl, then add butter, working the pieces into the flour with your hands, squeezing and pinching them until the mixture looks like oatmeal.
- Add egg, egg white and lemon zest, and pulse after each addition. If working by hand, whisk together egg, egg white and lemon zest in a separate bowl, then mix into the butter mixture. Slowly add iced wine, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse or mix by hand until the dough just comes together. You may not need all the liquid. The dough should be moist, but not wet.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and gather and press it into a ball. Divide into 2 portions, one slightly larger than the other, and shape into disks. Wrap the disks tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 5 days.
- When ready to bake, heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Make the filling: If your ricotta seems watery, put it in a sieve and let it drain while you cook the spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and a large pinch of salt, and continue to cook until spinach is very dry, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a large bowl to cool. If any liquid accumulates as the spinach sits, pour it out of the bowl (you don't want it to water down the ricotta).
- In a food processor, purée drained ricotta and eggs until just combined and smooth. Add to the bowl with the spinach and fold in mozzarella, pecorino, ham (if using), parsley, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, red-pepper flakes and nutmeg. Set aside when rolling out dough (or chill for up to 4 hours).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger pastry dough disk to a 14-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Fit dough into a 9-inch springform pan, pressing the dough up the sides of the pan. Scrape filling into crust and spread evenly. Roll out second pastry disk to a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Cut 1/2-inch-wide strips and weave into a lattice on top of the filling. Seal, trim and crimp the edges. Brush the top of the torta with the egg wash.
- Place torta on sheet pan and bake until crust is crisp and brown, and filling is firm, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes before serving.
TORTA RUSTICA
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Mound flour on a table and make a well in the center. Pour the dissolved yeast, oil, and salt into the center of the well. Gently mix in flour with a fork. Dough should be smooth and pliable. Add warm water if dough is too dry. Roll the dough into a ball and put in an oiled bowl. Cover with a cloth and put in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 2 pieces and roll out 1 of the dough balls into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter and 1/4-inch thick. Lay in a greased 12-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- Spread the tomatoes, mozzarella, ham, and pecorino on the dough. Sprinkle with oregano, salt and pepper. Roll out the other ball and lay it on top, folding the top and bottom layers of dough together around the edges. Cut 3 small holes in top of the pie for steam to escape. Bake in the oven until the crust is brown and the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.
TORTA RUSTICA (SPINACH , TOMATO & CHEESE QUICHE)
This is an Italian holiday classic, but it's one that I will make all year. The sun-dried tomatoes supply a tangy sensation that complements the milder flavors of the quiche very well.
Provided by Finicky
Categories Savory Pies
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425. You can use the piecrust pan provided, or place one crust in a 9-inh pie pan for better presentation. Leave the other piecrust out to thaw.
- Lightly beat 1 egg; brush half the egg over bottom of crust and set the rest aside to use later on the top of the crust.
- In a large bowl, combine remaining eggs, ricotta, Asiago, and Parmesan cheese and basix; mix until well blended.
- Stir in spinach, bread crumbs and tomatoes.
- Scrape mixture into prepared piecrust; smooth top to make and even layer.
- Place second piecrust over filling.
- Brush remaining egg over the top.
- Flute edge and seal.
- Bake pie 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375; bake 20 minutes longer, or until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 600.3, Fat 38.5, SaturatedFat 14.7, Cholesterol 188.5, Sodium 799.4, Carbohydrate 41, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 3, Protein 23.5
SAUSAGE, ROASTED RED PEPPER, AND SPINACH TORTA RUSTICA
Provided by Maria Helm Sinskey
Categories Egg Breakfast Brunch Bake Christmas High Fiber Sausage Spinach Bell Pepper Fall Fontina Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield 6 to 8 servings or 4 servings plus leftovers
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8x8x2-inch baking dish. Place 8 baguette slices in bottom of dish; press 2 baguette slices onto each side. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Add spinach; toss until just wilted, about 3 minutes. Transfer spinach to strainer; cool. Squeeze spinach dry. Transfer to medium bowl.
- Heat same pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage. Sauté until cooked through, breaking up, about 7 minutes. Mix into spinach; mix in 1 cup cheese and peppers. Spread atop baguette slices in bottom of dish. Whisk eggs in medium bowl to blend.
- Whisk in last 4 ingredients. Pour over spinach mixture and stir lightly with fork to distribute evenly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese over. Bake torta until puffed and golden and center is set, about 55 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before serving.
SPINACH TOMATO QUICHE (CRUSTLESS)
Easy quiche for anytime. I especially like it for dinner with nothing more than fresh fruit on the side. I often make it with only egg whites and fat-free cottage cheese to lighten it up.
Provided by alijen
Categories Savory Pies
Time 44m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Lightly grease or spray with Pam a 9-inch pie plate.
- Press all the water out of the thawed spinach.
- Combine cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, spinach, eggs, oil, salt and pepper.
- Pour half of the mixture into the lightly greased pie plate.
- Arrange tomato slices over spinach.
- Cover with the remaining spinach mixture.
- Bake 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
TORTA RUSTICA
This savory pie is served at room temperature. Two teaspoons dried basil may be substituted for fresh basil. Use ham or prosciutto ham.
Provided by Ann
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Mix flour, cornmeal, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat 2 eggs with 3 tablespoons cold water; stir into flour mixture until dough holds together. Add another tablespoon water if needed. Shape 2/3 of the dough into flattened round; repeat with remaining 1/3. Wrap. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes, or until firm enough to roll.
- In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, parsley, basil, and oregano until well blended.
- Have an 8 or 9 inch springform pan ready. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough into a 15 inch diameter circle. Carefully place in ungreased pan; press lightly against bottom and sides. Trim overhanging dough to 1 inch from pan rim.
- Scatter half of the mozzarella over the bottom of the crust. Next arrange half the ham slices in an even layer. Spread with ricotta cheese mixture, then sprinkle with spinach. Cover with the remaining ham slices. Press down gently to pack layers. Add red peppers in a single layer, and top with the remaining mozzarella. Press down again.
- Roll out remaining dough to 8 or 9 inch circle. Place over filling to cover. Moisten edges, and seal crusts together. Crimp or flute edges. Crust should not extend above pan rim. Beat remaining egg, and brush over the crust. Cut several small vents in top crust for steam to escape.
- Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 1 hour, or until crust is deep golden brown and pulls away from sides. Cool in pan on wire rack 45 minutes. Remove pan sides; cool completely. Cut into 12 wedges. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 588.9 calories, Carbohydrate 41.7 g, Cholesterol 198.5 mg, Fat 35.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 26.4 g, SaturatedFat 20.2 g, Sodium 1293.8 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the spinach and tomatoes by hand.
- Be sure to drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it to the filling, or the quiche will be watery.
- Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère.
- Don't overfill the quiche crust, or it will be difficult to bake evenly.
- Serve the quiche warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion:
Torta Rustica is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and cheese. With its flaky crust, creamy filling, and flavorful toppings, Torta Rustica is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Torta Rustica a try!
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