Italian Easter Pie, a cherished dish passed down through generations, finds its way onto tables during Easter celebrations. In their cookbook, “Italian American,” chefs Angie Rito & Scott Tacinelli pay homage to Tacinelli’s grandmother by sharing their version of this savory delight. Here’s a glimpse into the culinary journey of crafting this mouthwatering Italian pie.
What’s in Italian Easter Pie? The magic of Italian Easter Pie lies in its flavorful filling. This rendition boasts a blend of sweet and spicy Italian sausages, complemented by ham steak, cooked eggs, mozzarella, and sharp provolone cheese. The ingredients meld together with raw egg, parsley, salt, and pepper, creating a rich and satisfying filling. Encased in a homemade dough, crafted with care and utilizing reserved cooking liquids and fats, the pie emerges from the oven with a crisp, golden-brown crust.
Varieties of Italian Easter Pie While the core components remain consistent across households — eggs, meats, and cheese — variations abound. Known by different names like Pizza Rustica or Pizza Gain, the recipe may feature an array of meats such as prosciutto, salami, or different sausage combinations. Each iteration reflects the unique culinary traditions of the family preparing it.
Recipe Highlights The preparation of this Italian Easter Pie can be divided over two days for convenience. On the first day, tasks like boiling the meats and grating the cheese can be tackled. On the day of assembly and baking, the dough is prepared, filled with the savory mixture, and baked to perfection.
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and steps involved:
Ingredients:
Eggs
Sweet and spicy Italian sausages
Ham steak
Sweet paprika
Vegetable shortening or lard
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Kosher salt
Mozzarella cheese
Sharp provolone cheese
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
Black pepper
Directions:
Prepare the eggs: boil, cool, peel, and cut into quarters.
Cook the sausages and ham steak in seasoned water until done. Chill and cube the meat.
Reserve cooking liquid and fat, chilling until fat solidifies. Skim off fat.
Prepare the dough: combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix in fat and cooking liquid.
Knead the dough and let it rest.
Prepare the filling: mix eggs, ham, sausages, cheeses, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the pie: line a springform pan with dough, fill with the mixture, and cover with another layer of dough.
Bake until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool before serving or storing.
Conclusion Italian Easter Pie, with its rich history and diverse interpretations, serves as a delicious centerpiece for Easter festivities. Whether enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled, this culinary masterpiece delights taste buds and brings families together with each savory bite.
