Italian Easter Delicacy: Pizzagaina
Pizzagaina, also known as Pizza Gain, Pizza Rustica, or Italian Easter Ham Pie, is a cherished recipe passed down through generations in my family. Originating from a quaint village in Naples, this hearty dish encapsulates the spirit of Italian tradition and Easter celebrations. Pizzagaina is prepared in anticipation of the end of Lent, a time when indulgence in rich, flavorful meats and cheeses becomes a delightful feast. This recipe yields a generously large pie, perfect for gatherings, allowing you to share a piece of culinary heritage with family and friends. The pie boasts a rich filling of assorted meats and cheeses, all encased in a flaky, homemade or store-bought pizza dough. As the dish cools and the flavors meld, it transforms into a savory treat best served chilled. Noteworthy is the story behind Pizzagaina: traditionally made on Good Friday, the pie is meant to symbolize abundance and celebration, often blessed by the local priest to honor the Easter feast. Join me as we create this timeless dish, embracing the memories of family gatherings, laughter, and shared meals that define our heritage.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ham
2 1/2 lbs (sliced thick from deli-counter or cubed pieces of boiled ham)
prosciutto
1/4 lb (regular prosciutto)
capicola
1/4 lb (HOT CAPICOLA, spiced-hot capicola)
genoa salami
1/4 lb (cubed)
hard salami
1/4 lb (cubed)
fresh mozzarella cheese
1 lb (cubed)
whole milk mozzarella
1 lb (cubed)
fresher basket cheese
1 lb (cubed)
ricotta cheese
3 lbs (smooth)
pepperoni
1 stick (sliced)
grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (for mixing and topping)
eggs
15 (large, whole)
pizza dough
4 lbs (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pizzagaina?
Pizzagaina, also known as Pizza Gain, Pizza Rustica, or Italian Easter Ham Pie, is a traditional savory pie filled with assorted meats and cheeses, encased in a flaky pizza dough.
What is the origin of this Pizzagaina recipe?
This specific recipe originates from a quaint village in Naples and has been passed down through generations.
When is Pizzagaina typically prepared?
It is traditionally prepared on Good Friday in anticipation of the end of Lent to be enjoyed during Easter celebrations.
Should Pizzagaina be served hot or cold?
As the dish cools and the flavors meld, it transforms into a savory treat that is best served chilled.
What kind of dough is used for the crust?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of pizza dough, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
How many eggs are required for the filling?
The recipe requires 15 large, whole eggs.
What types of ham are recommended?
You can use 2 1/2 lbs of ham sliced thick from a deli-counter or cubed pieces of boiled ham.
What gives the pie a spicy kick?
The inclusion of 1/4 lb of hot, spiced capicola provides a spicy flavor to the filling.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe uses 3 lbs of smooth ricotta cheese.
What is basket cheese?
Basket cheese is a traditional Italian cheese used in Easter pies; this recipe calls for 1 lb of fresh basket cheese, cubed.
What types of mozzarella are included?
The pie includes 1 lb of fresh mozzarella and 1 lb of whole milk mozzarella, both cubed.
Are there different types of salami in the pie?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 lb of cubed genoa salami and 1/4 lb of cubed hard salami.
How much pepperoni should be added?
One full stick of sliced pepperoni is added to the meat mixture.
Is prosciutto included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 lb of regular prosciutto is included.
What is the purpose of the grated Parmesan cheese?
Three tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese are used for both mixing into the filling and as a topping.
What does Pizzagaina symbolize?
Traditionally, the pie symbolizes abundance and celebration to honor the Easter feast.
Is it common to have the pie blessed?
Yes, it is a tradition for the pie to be blessed by a local priest to honor the Easter celebration.
How large is the resulting pie?
This recipe yields a generously large pie, designed to be shared with family and friends at gatherings.
What is the preparation method for the meats?
Most meats like the salami and ham should be cubed, while the pepperoni and deli ham are sliced.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients listed for this Pizzagaina.
Why is Pizzagaina eaten at the end of Lent?
It marks the end of a period of fasting, allowing for the indulgence in rich, flavorful meats and cheeses.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for both 1 lb of fresh mozzarella and 1 lb of whole milk mozzarella for the best texture.
Is the capicola spicy?
The recipe specifies 'Hot Capicola' or 'spiced-hot capicola' for an authentic flavor.
How should the ricotta be prepared?
The ricotta should be smooth before being incorporated into the mixture.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Italian, Easter, Pizzagaina, savory pie, traditional recipe, family recipe, celebration food, and heritage dish.
Can I use thick-sliced ham from the deli?
Yes, thick-sliced deli ham is a recommended preparation for the 2 1/2 lbs of ham required.
Is this a sweet or savory dish?
This is a savory dish characterized by its heavy use of meats and cheeses.
Does the recipe include instructions for the dough?
The recipe mentions you can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough but focuses on the 4 lb requirement.
What is the texture of the finished pie?
The pie has a rich filling of meats and cheeses encased in a flaky crust.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for gatherings and sharing a piece of culinary heritage.