Rustic Swiss Chard and Ricotta Savory Pie

Savory Gee Pie (Torta de Gee)

Category: Savory Pies
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dough (Pasta Matta)
Start by making the pasta matta, a simple dough for the pie crust. Sift the all-purpose flour into a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt to the flour and stir to combine. Next, pour in the white wine vinegar and room temperature water. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to mix the dough. Once the ingredients begin to come together, transfer the dough to a clean, flat surface and knead it until you have a smooth and homogenous dough. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
While the dough is resting, wash the Swiss chard thoroughly. Remove the thick stems and cut the leaves into thin strips. Set the chard aside. In a large bowl, take the ricotta and strain any excess liquid. Add the yogurt to the ricotta and mix well until you have a creamy consistency. Stir in the marjoram to infuse the filling with a lovely herbal note.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie
Once the dough has rested, divide it into two equal portions. Roll out the first portion with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, ensuring the dough is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of your baking dish. For reference, we used a round tart pan that is 22 cm in diameter at the bottom and 24 cm at the top, with a height of 3 cm. Grease the tart pan lightly with some oil, then gently transfer the dough into the pan, pressing it into the edges. If needed, you can use the rolling pin to lift the dough into the pan.

Next, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the Swiss chard leaves to draw out any excess moisture. Spread the chard evenly over the bottom of the crust. After that, pour the creamy ricotta mixture over the chard, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Closing the Pie
Roll out the second portion of dough to form the top layer of the pie. Ensure the dough is slightly larger than the tart pan so it can cover the entire pie. Gently place the dough over the filling, and use your hands to carefully seal the edges by rolling the dough’s edge inward. This will ensure the filling stays securely inside while baking.

Step 5: Baking the Pie
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Before placing the pie in the oven, brush the top crust lightly with some extra virgin olive oil to help it bake to a golden-brown finish. Bake the pie for about 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.

Step 6: Serving
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Cut into slices and enjoy this delicious savory gee pie, perfect for a light lunch or as a delicious dinner option.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Tip: This savory pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light tomato salad to balance the richness of the filling.