Pizza Rushca(Two Crust Italian Pie)
A rich, savory Italian pie featuring a double crust, cheese, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for gatherings and cheese lovers seeking hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
- double crust pie pastry
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 1 lb Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 pkg grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 20 oz tomato puree
- 4 oz tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp marjoram ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 2/3 cup large black olives sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb thinly sliced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper seeded and matchstick sliced ⓘ
- 1 lb mushrooms sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare pie pastry according to your recipe.
- Line a large deep dish pie plate (such as a paella pan) with one crust and roll out a second crust for the top.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl; stir in Ricotta cheese, chopped onion, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Set the egg mixture aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomato puree, tomato paste, marjoram, and oregano; simmer to make the sauce.
- Spread some sauce over the bottom crust in the pie plate.
- Layer sliced mushrooms, sliced black olives, sliced bell pepper, and sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Cover with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut slits for steam.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked sausage or ground beef to the filling. You can substitute the black olives with green olives or omit them entirely if preferred. If you're short on time, store-bought pie pastry works well. Ensure the crust is well sealed to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pizza Rushca with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Genoese Minestrone Soup as a hearty starter. For a complete Italian feast, consider serving it alongside Classic Pizzelles for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain the crust's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Rushca(Two Crust Italian Pie) contains roughly 603 calories, with 16g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (148% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1278mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Pizza Rushca a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish.
Is it possible to freeze Pizza Rushca?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
What can I use if I don't have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta is unavailable, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as a substitute. For a lighter option, blend silken tofu for a similar texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor of your filling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).