Italian Pies > Cheese Pies > Valsassina Cheese Pies

Valsassina Cheese and Spinach Pie Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup Valsassina cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Saute pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and saute until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the thawed and drained spinach to the pan and cook until any excess moisture has evaporated.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Valsassina cheese, heavy cream, eggs, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into the pre-made pie crust.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 360mg
Sugar: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pre-made pie crust can be substituted with homemade pie crust.
- Valsassina cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk.
- Frozen spinach can be substituted with fresh spinach.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
- Add diced tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Add chopped mushrooms for an earthier taste.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the excess moisture from the spinach to prevent a soggy pie.
- Use a fork to prick the bottom of the pie crust before adding the filling to prevent air bubbles.
- Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from falling apart.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover pie in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pie on a platter with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish the pie with chopped herbs or grated cheese.

Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs such as parsley or basil
- Grated cheese

Pairings:
- Side salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pie crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- If the filling is not setting, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pie until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Valsassina cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavor.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Savory
- Earthy

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Nutty, Earthy