Pizza Rustica

Health score
42%
Pizza Rustica
150 min.
8
349kcal

Suggestions

Pizza Rustica is a hearty, Italian-inspired dish that brings together the rustic charm of a savory pie with the comforting flavors of a classic pizza. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe serves eight and is ready in just over two hours, making it a great option for gatherings or meal prep. At 349 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying yet balanced choice for those who love indulgent flavors without the guilt.

This dish features a flaky, homemade crust crafted with all-purpose flour, olive oil, and a hint of baking powder, giving it a light yet sturdy texture. The filling is a delightful medley of earthy cremini mushrooms, vibrant red bell peppers, and nutrient-packed Swiss chard, all enhanced by the aromatic combination of garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme. Creamy ricotta and fontina cheeses add richness, while Parmigiano-Reggiano lends a nutty depth that ties everything together.

What makes this Pizza Rustica truly special is its versatility. It’s a celebration of seasonal vegetables and artisanal cheeses, making it a standout main course for vegetarians and cheese lovers alike. The golden, fluted crust, brushed with a touch of milk, bakes to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Pair it with a bold Italian red wine, like Banfi’s Centine Rosso, for a complete dining experience that’s both rustic and refined.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting dish, Pizza Rustica is sure to impress with its harmonious flavors and elegant presentation. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients

  • 0.5 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • 16 ounce crimini mushrooms sliced
  • large egg whites 
  • large eggs lightly beaten
  • tablespoon skim milk fat-free
  • 1.8 cups flour all-purpose divided
  • 0.5 cup fontina shredded
  • tablespoon thyme sprigs fresh chopped
  • teaspoons garlic minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt 
  • 0.3 cup olive oil extra virgin extra-virgin
  • tablespoons olive oil extra virgin extra-virgin divided
  • 0.3 cup parmesan grated
  • ounces part-skim ricotta 
  • medium bell pepper red
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt 
  • tablespoons shallots chopped
  • pound swiss chard trimmed thinly sliced
  • 0.3 cup water 

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • knife
  • sieve
  • plastic wrap
  • aluminum foil
  • broiler
  • measuring cup

Directions

  1. To prepare crust, weigh or lightly spoon 25 ounces flour (about 1 2/3 cups) into dry measuring cups; level with a knife.
  2. Combine 25 ounces flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and baking powder in a food processor; pulse 2 times to combine.
  3. Combine 1/3 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. With processor on, slowly add oil mixture through food chute, and process just until dough begins to form a ball (dough will be crumbly). Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 3 minutes; add enough of the remaining 2 tablespoons flour to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Divide dough into 2 equal portions. Press each portion into a 5-inch circle on plastic wrap. Cover with additional plastic wrap. Chill at least 30 minutes.
  4. To prepare torta, preheat broiler to high.
  5. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes.
  6. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 10 minutes or until blackened.
  7. Place in a paper bag; fold to close tightly.
  8. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and coarsely chop.
  9. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  10. Add 1 tablespoon oil; swirl to coat.
  11. Add chard to pan; cook 1 minute or until greens begin to wilt.
  12. Place chard and bell peppers in a large bowl. Return pan to medium heat.
  13. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat.
  14. Add shallots and garlic to pan; cook for 1 minute.
  15. Add mushrooms; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  16. Place mushroom mixture and chard mixture in a fine sieve; let drain 5 minutes.
  17. Place vegetable mixture in a large bowl.
  18. Add ricotta and next 7 ingredients (through egg white) to vegetable mixture, stirring to combine.
  19. Preheat oven to 37
  20. Slightly overlap 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a slightly damp surface. Unwrap one dough portion, and place on plastic wrap. Cover dough with 2 additional sheets of overlapping plastic wrap.
  21. Roll dough, still covered, into an 11-inch circle.
  22. Place the dough in freezer for 5 minutes or until plastic wrap can be easily removed.
  23. Remove top sheets of plastic wrap; fit dough, plastic wrap side up, into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray.
  24. Remove remaining plastic wrap. Spoon vegetable mixture into prepared pie plate.
  25. Slightly overlap 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a slightly damp surface. Unwrap remaining dough portion, and place on plastic wrap. Cover dough with 2 additional sheets of overlapping plastic wrap.
  26. Roll dough, still covered, into an 11-inch circle.
  27. Place the dough in freezer for 5 minutes or until plastic wrap can be easily removed.
  28. Remove top sheets of plastic wrap; fit dough, plastic wrap side up, over vegetable mixture.
  29. Remove remaining plastic wrap. Press the edges of dough together. Fold edges under, and flute.
  30. Brush top of dough with milk.
  31. Cut several slits in top of dough to allow steam to escape.
  32. Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool 30 minutes.
  33. Cut into 8 wedges.
  34. Wine Match: This veggie-packed dish deserves an earthy Italian red. Banfi's Centine Rosso 2009 ($1
  35. has flavors of tart cherries and, to complement the pizza's shallots, garlic, and thyme, undertones of oak and spices. --Gretchen Roberts

Nutrition Facts

Calories349kcal
Protein16.02%
Fat50.18%
Carbs33.8%

Properties

Glycemic Index
56.91
Glycemic Load
16.23
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
28.948260846345%

Flavonoids

Catechin
0.85mg
Apigenin
0.03mg
Luteolin
0.59mg
Kaempferol
3.3mg
Myricetin
1.77mg
Quercetin
1.33mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:349.23kcal
17.46%
Fat:19.86g
30.56%
Saturated Fat:5.7g
35.64%
Carbohydrates:30.11g
10.04%
Net Carbohydrates:27.26g
9.91%
Sugar:3.54g
3.93%
Cholesterol:67.04mg
22.35%
Sodium:621.1mg
27%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:14.27g
28.54%
Vitamin K:480.31µg
457.43%
Vitamin A:4721.18IU
94.42%
Vitamin C:56.92mg
69%
Selenium:36.03µg
51.47%
Vitamin B2:0.65mg
38.36%
Manganese:0.56mg
28%
Phosphorus:270.03mg
27%
Folate:97.59µg
24.4%
Vitamin E:3.55mg
23.64%
Calcium:235.88mg
23.59%
Copper:0.46mg
23.18%
Vitamin B3:4.37mg
21.86%
Vitamin B1:0.33mg
21.72%
Potassium:649.38mg
18.55%
Iron:3.34mg
18.54%
Magnesium:71.94mg
17.99%
Vitamin B5:1.5mg
15.03%
Vitamin B6:0.28mg
13.81%
Zinc:2.06mg
13.71%
Fiber:2.85g
11.38%
Vitamin B12:0.44µg
7.35%
Vitamin D:0.42µg
2.81%
Source:My Recipes