Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion , jardiniere
2 garlic cloves , brunoise
1 lb spinach , cooked , chopped , squeezed in batches to remove excess moisture
1 teaspoon fresh basil , chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
8 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil , divided
1 package prepared puff pastry sheets , thawed
1 large egg white , beaten until foamy
2 roasted red peppers
1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano cheese , freshly grated
1 cup gruyere cheese , shredded
1 cup ham , cooked & diced
Torta Rustica is a traditional Italian dish that translates to 'rustic pastry'. It is a savory dish that features a filling of eggs, cheese, vegetables, and sometimes meat, all baked inside a buttery puff pastry crust. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, prepping meals for the week, or serving as a unique addition to a brunch spread. The combination of savory flavors and textures in this dish make it a favorite among those who love Italian cuisine and comforting, hearty meals.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the onion and garlic until they are softened and fragrant.
3.Add the spinach, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4.In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5.Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat and pour in the whisked eggs, stirring occasionally for 1-2 minutes until partially cooked.
6.Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto the prepared baking sheet, and brush with the beaten egg white.
7.Arrange the partially-cooked eggs, spinach mixture, roasted red peppers, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, gruyere cheese, and cooked ham evenly onto the puff pastry sheets.
8.Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a rustic, free-form pastry and brush with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
9.Bake for approximately 25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

Torta Rustica is a versatile dish that can be served for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

It is a filling and savory dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and fat due to the use of puff pastry and cheese.

It is not suitable for those on a low-carb or dairy-free diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite being high in calories and fat, this dish contains a good amount of protein and fiber from the eggs, spinach, and ham.
This dish also contains important nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, and iron from the cheese and spinach.

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