Italian Easter Pie Pizza Rustica Aka Ham Pie Recipe

Ingredients for Italian Easter Pie Pizza Rustica Aka Ham Pie

• Pastry For Double Crust Pie
• Flour
• Lard
• ½ tsp salt
• Pepper
• Yeast
• Water
• Sweet Italian Sausage Links
• Prosciutto
• Cooked Ham
• Ricotta Cheese
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Eggs
• Fresh Italian Parsley
• Romano Cheese
• Ground Black Pepper

How to Make Italian Easter Pie Pizza Rustica Aka Ham Pie

1. **If using yeast dough:** In a large bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (105-115°F), 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add 1 cup leaf lard (or butter), 1 tsp salt, and 4-4 ½ cups all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. **For either crust:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan (or a 10-inch deep dish pie plate if using a pie crust).
5. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casings), 1 lb thinly sliced ham, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the yeast dough to a 12x18 inch rectangle (or use your prepared pie crust). Transfer to prepared pan.
7. Spread the meat and cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
8. Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, then fold the short sides over to meet in the middle. Crimp the edges to seal.
9. If using a pie crust, press the edges into the pie pan and crimp the edges for a rustic look. Bake for 95 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
10. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!