Easter Ham Pie

Easter Ham Pie Recipe - Traditional Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Easter Ham Pie is a traditional Italian dish that is typically served during the Easter holiday. This savory pie is filled with Italian ham cubes, eggs, cheese, and parsley, all encased in a flaky pie crust. It is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a holiday gathering or a special family meal.

History

The origins of Easter Ham Pie can be traced back to Italy, where it is known as "Pizza Rustica" or "Torta Pasqualina." This dish has been a staple in Italian households for generations, especially during the Easter season. It is a dish that is often made with leftover meats and cheeses, making it a practical and delicious way to use up ingredients.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) Italian ham cubes
1 lb (454 g) fresh cheese (basket cheese), no salt
15 eggs
pinch of pepper
0.25 cup grated cheese
2 tbsp grated parsley

Crust

4 cup flour
4 eggs
1 cup crisco
1 tsp each salt and pepper
1 tbsp baking powder
4 – 6 tbsp water

How to prepare

Dice the ham.
Beat the eggs and cheese together.
Add the diced ham and pepper to the egg mixture.
Fill a pie pan lined with pie crust.
Place another pie crust on top.
Brush the top pie crust with egg whites to make it shiny.

Crust

Beat the eggs, black pepper, grated parsley, and grated cheese together.
Cut each corner of the crust to prevent it from exploding.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) in a 13x9 pan for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Enjoy.

Variations

Add cooked vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.
Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or sausage for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the ham into small cubes to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the pie.

- Brushing the top pie crust with egg whites will give it a shiny and golden finish.

- Cutting each corner of the crust before baking will prevent it from exploding in the oven.

- Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Easter Ham Pie can be served as a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It is also delicious served cold as a picnic or party dish.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own.

- Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey.

- Use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley.

Make Ahead Tips

Easter Ham Pie can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking. This allows the flavors to develop and makes for an easy and convenient meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Easter Ham Pie on a decorative platter garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers. Cut into slices and serve with a dollop of marinara sauce or pesto on the side.

Pairing Recommendations

Easter Ham Pie pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Easter Ham Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Easter Ham Pie contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Easter Ham Pie contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Easter Ham Pie contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Easter Ham Pie contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Easter Ham Pie is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Easter Ham Pie contains eggs, cheese, and wheat.

Summary

Easter Ham Pie is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Easter Ham Pie is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a holiday gathering or a special family meal. With its savory filling and flaky crust, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional Italian dish during the Easter season and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Easter Ham Pie. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother. We were preparing for the upcoming Easter holiday, a time when our family would gather together to celebrate and feast on delicious dishes.

As my mother and grandmother were busy in the kitchen, I decided to take a peek through my grandmother's old recipe box. It was filled with handwritten recipes that she had collected over the years, each one holding a special memory or story behind it. As I flipped through the index cards, my eyes landed on a recipe titled "Easter Ham Pie." Intrigued by the name, I knew I had to give it a try.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled as she recounted how she had learned to make it from a dear friend many years ago. She described how the pie was a traditional dish in her friend's family, passed down from generation to generation. I could see the twinkle in her eyes as she spoke, and I knew that this recipe held a special place in her heart.

With my grandmother's guidance, I set out to make the Easter Ham Pie. The ingredients were simple – a flaky pie crust, diced ham, eggs, cheese, and a touch of seasoning. I carefully followed the instructions, mixing the ingredients together and pouring the mixture into the pie crust. As the pie baked in the oven, the scent of ham and cheese filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the pie was finally done, I couldn't wait to dig in. I cut a slice and took a bite, savoring the savory flavor of the ham and cheese. It was delicious, the perfect combination of flavors and textures. My mother and grandmother both praised my cooking skills, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated a cherished family recipe.

From that day on, Easter Ham Pie became a staple dish in our family's holiday celebrations. Each year, I would eagerly prepare the pie, following the recipe passed down from my grandmother's friend. It became a tradition, a way to honor the memories of those who had shared the recipe with us.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it my own. I have experimented with different types of cheese, tried adding vegetables for extra flavor, and even made mini versions of the pie for a fun twist. But no matter how I choose to make it, the Easter Ham Pie always brings back fond memories of that day when I stumbled upon the recipe in my grandmother's old recipe box.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my own family on Easter Sunday, I can't help but feel grateful for the traditions and recipes that have been passed down through the generations. The Easter Ham Pie is more than just a dish – it is a symbol of family, love, and the joy of coming together to celebrate. And as I take a bite of the delicious pie, I am reminded of the special bond that cooking can create between generations.