Ingredients

1 pastry for double-crust pie , 10 inch ( or you can make the `` yeast dough pie crust `` )
3 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tablespoons leaves lard or 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 envelope yeast
1 cup water
2 lbs sweet Italian sausage links
1/4 lb prosciutto , chopped
1/2 lb cooked ham , diced
2 lbs ricotta cheese
12 ounces mozzarella cheese , diced
5 eggs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley ( flat leaf )
1/4 cup freshly grated romano cheese or 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
The Italian Easter Pie - Pizza Rustica, also known as Ham Pie, is a traditional dish served during the Easter holiday in Italy and Italian-American communities throughout the United States. It is a savory and satisfying dish that is perfect for family gatherings and celebrations. A combination of meats, cheese, and eggs are wrapped in a homemade crust, resulting in a delicious and filling meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is a modern take on an old-world classic that is certain to become a favorite in your home as well.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.Prepare the pie crust by mixing flour, lard/butter, salt, pepper, yeast, and water. Knead well until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rise for an hour.
3.Remove casings from sausage links; crumble into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until browned, stirring occasionally to break apart. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon; drain well. Combine cooked sausage, prosciutto, cooked ham, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, parsley, romano/parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spoon the filling into the prepared pastry.
4.Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie; place over filling. Seal and flute edges. Cut a few slits in top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush top with beaten egg.
5.Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Let pie cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

The Italian Easter Pie – Pizza Rustica is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for Easter celebrations.

It is a one-dish meal that combines the protein of sausage, prosciutto, and ham with the creaminess of ricotta and mozzarella cheese.

The easy to make crust complements the savory filling perfectly.

CONS

This recipe takes a bit of time to prepare and cook, so it may not be the best choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

The calorie count is quite high because of the meat and cheese, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those watching their caloric intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The Italian Easter Pie – Pizza Rustica has several health benefits. It is rich in protein and cheese, which can help build and maintain muscle mass. Additionally, the eggs in the recipe provide a good source of protein and healthy fats.
Sausage may be high in sodium, but this recipe uses only sweet Italian sausage, which is lower in salt.
Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

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