This pizza rustica recipe is all about balanced flavor, and just might become your next go-to lunch or dinner choice!

Notes:

• The original version of this recipe appeared in the cookbook America’s Best Recipes, a 1990 Hometown Collection.
• Some ingredients might appear as though they’re repeating, but they’re used at separate points in the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 package (10 ounces) of frozen chopped spinach
• 1 carton (16 ounces) of ricotta cheese
• 2 lightly beaten eggs
• 1 cup (4 ounces) of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup of softened butter or margarine
• ¼ cup (1 ounce) of shredded provolone cheese
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 lightly beaten eggs
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon of pepper
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of water

Directions:

1. Cook the spinach according to its respective package directions, being sure to drain the spinach well after.
2. Combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, softened butter or margarine, shredded provolone cheese, Parmesan cheese, 2 lightly beaten eggs, salt, nutmeg, and pepper in a large bowl, stirring well, then setting the mixture aside.
3. Combine the all-purpose flour and the 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl.
4. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
5. Add in 2 lightly beaten eggs, stirring just until the dry ingredients have been moistened and the mixture becomes dough.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
7. Roll one portion to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, then place it into a 9-inch pie plate.
8. Spoon half of the cheese mixture onto this dough.
9. Roll another portion of the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and place it over the cheese mixture from the previous step.
10. Fold the dough edges under and flute them.
11. Cut slits in the top crust to all steam to escape.
12. Repeat this process with the remaining 2 portions of dough and cheese mixture.
13. Whisk 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water together.
14. Brush this egg mixture over the pizzas.
15. Bake these two 9-inch pizzas at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until the crusts become golden brown.

Please note that all Fabulous Freelancer posts might contain affiliate links.