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torta pasqualina {italian spinach & ricotta pie}

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6
Author: Valentina | The Baking Fairy

Ingredients

  • *for the filling*
  • 16 oz fresh spinach
  • 5 oz baby kale
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 10 eggs 5 to mix in and 5 to top the pie
  • 3 crushed garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and red pepper flakes to taste
  • *for the crust*
  • 20 sheets phyllo dough
  • olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  • First, prepare the filling. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, warm up the garlic and olive oil until it starts to sizzle slightly.
  • Tear the spinach leaves and baby kale leaves roughly with your hands, and throw them into the pot, a bit at a time, until they are all reduced and wilted down.
  • Add in the seasonings, mix well, then remove from heat. Let the vegetables cool down slightly, then pour them in a colander or sieve and press out as much of the watery liquid as possible.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a bit more salt and pepper. Beat 5 of the eggs in a small bowl, set 1-2 tablespoon aside for the egg wash later, then add the rest into the cheese mixture. Stir in the strained spinach and kale.
  • Now, preheat the oven to 340F and prepare the crust. In a 9-inch deep dish pie pan, layer 10 of the phyllo sheets, spraying every other one with olive oil.
  • Pour the spinach filling into the crust, and using a spoon, make 5 deep indentation evenly around the pie. Crack an egg into each indentation and sprinkle lightly with salt.
  • Top the pie with the remaining 10 sheets of phyllo, again spraying every other one with the oil.
  • Go around the edges and lightly crimp the layer of phyllo closed, then brush with the egg wash you saved from earlier. Using a sharp knife, make 8 small cuts in the center to let the steam out.
  • Place in the center rack of the preheated oven, and bake for 70-80 minutes, until pie is golden brown and there is no jiggle in the center.
  • Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy!