posted by Schmitty 02-20-100 3:07 AM
Torta Rustica
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
2 cups part skim or whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dry crumbled
1 clove garlic minced
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 jar (7 ounces) pimentos drained and cut into strips 1/2 inch wide
3 tablespoons pine nuts (optional)
4 ounces baked or boiled ham thinly sliced
Place the oven rack in the lowest position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush a 9 inch deep dish pie pan with the olive oil.
On a lightly floured board, roll the pizza dough into a 13 inch round and press into the pan so that it covers the bottom and comes up the sides; set aside.
Combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, spinach, eggs, basil, garlic and pepper in a large bowl. Fold in the pimentos and, if desired, pine nuts. Cover the crust with half the ricotta mixture, arrange the ham on top and spoon the remaining ricotta mixture over all.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is crisp. Let cool to room temperature before serving. Serves 4