The luscious rustic pizza, excellent for the Easter Monday picnic or as an appetizer at your Easter lunch. This pizza has excellent simple ingredients: the pizza base, fresh ricotta, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. The aromas of the countryside gathered in one dish. You can make it for a day at seaside, cut into big squares and kept in a cooler bag, serve it at a party or buffet for adults or children, or during a lunch or dinner with the family. It's highly versatile, appealing to everyone and lends itself to different occasions. If you do not like the idea of ricotta, you can substitute some cooked ham. You will get something similar to the famous ‘parigina’, and equally good! These recipes are so good, in fact, that they shouldn’t just be made at Easter. Don’t forget to make them in bulk because they will delight young and old and disappear in a seconds!
* approximate values per serving
Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to until it’s quite thin. Spread a little ricotta onto the middle of the dough. Cut the tomato into big pieces, tear the basil and sprinkle it over the ricotta. Conclude the topping with cold cuts and provolone cheese. Fold the pizza rustica over on itself and bake for 10 minutes at 200 °C.
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Roll out the pasta dough thinly
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Spread a bit of ricotta in the centre
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Cut up the tomatoes into big pieces and tear the basil into shreds and spread on top of the ricotta
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Conclude the topping with slices of cooked ham and provolone cheese
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Fold the pizza base over on itself and seal, bake in a hot oven at 200°C for 10 minutes
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Your rustic pizza is ready with the flavours of the Mediterranean!
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One of the tastiest variations of rustic pizza is the one that uses ricotta and cold cuts such as cooked ham and salami. This preparation is perfect for those who love rich and creamy flavors. To make it, roll out the dough very thinly and spread a generous layer of ricotta on half of the base. Add diced tomatoes and torn fresh basil, then complete with slices of ham and provola cheese. Once folded over, bake the rustic pizza in the oven until it is golden and crispy. This dish is ideal for an informal lunch or as an appetizer at a buffet, bringing to the table a mix of flavors typical of the Campanian tradition.
Campanian rustic pizza is a traditional preparation from Campania, characterized by the use of fresh and genuine ingredients. This regional variant stands out for its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients used. The recipe calls for homemade dough, which should be rolled out thinly, and a filling made of ricotta, fresh tomatoes, and basil. Adding cold cuts like salami and cooked ham further enriches the dish, making it tasty and substantial. This dish is perfect to serve during holidays or special occasions, and represents a true symbol of Campanian gastronomic tradition.
If you desire a lighter version of rustic pizza, you can opt for a preparation that replaces some of the cold cuts with fresh vegetables. Using ricotta as a base, you can add zucchini, eggplant, and grilled peppers, creating a filling rich in flavors and healthier. This light variant maintains the taste of rustic pizza without being heavy, making it ideal for those following a balanced diet. Baking the pizza in the oven will yield a golden and crispy crust, while the vegetable filling ensures a supply of nutrients and fiber. Thus, you can enjoy a traditional dish without sacrificing well-being.
Rustic pizza, particularly that prepared with ricotta and tomatoes, offers several nutritional benefits. Ricotta is a source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Additionally, the addition of basil provides vitamin K and antioxidants, making the dish not only tasty but also nutritious. On average, a serving of rustic pizza provides about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. By choosing fresh and quality ingredients, it is possible to enjoy a flavorful dish without compromising health.
If you are wondering how to store leftover rustic pizza, the answer is simple: you can keep it in the refrigerator. It is advisable to wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. This way, the rustic pizza will stay perfect for 2-3 days. If you want to enjoy it as if it were just baked, you can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispness of the base. Alternatively, rustic pizza can also be frozen, wrapped in plastic and placed in a food bag. In this case, it is recommended to consume it within a month to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.