Sun-Shaped Spinach Pie

By phoenixrises75

A fun appetizer for any occasion. Serves 7-8 and takes about an hour to make.

Ingredients

• Dough:
• 17 oz of flour
• 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• (You can also use 2 pre-made pie crusts from the refrigerated section at the grocery store. Not as tasty, but very convenient and cuts prep time.)
• Filling:
• 12 oz of boiled spinach
• 12 oz ricotta
• 1 egg
• 3 oz of grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Preparation

Step 1

1-Place all dough ingredients in a stand mixer. Using the dough hook, knead until the dough is smooth and combined. Wrap in plastic while you make the filling.
2-To create the filling, Boil spinach, squeeze out excess water and chop. Mix the cooked spinach with the ricotta. Next, add egg, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well. Set aside.
3-Unwrap your dough from the plastic and divide it into two equal parts.
4-Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball to create two circles 30 cm /12 inches in diameter each.
5-On your first dough circle, sprinkle breadcrumbs to help absorb the moisture of the filling and to keep the dough dry.
6-Reserve about two cups for center and distribute remaining filling in a ring shape on the dough that was just sprinkled with breadcrumbs. Make sure to leave an inch of dough exposed between the ring and the dough edge.
7-Place one large dollop at the center of the circle, leaving a inch or so gap of dough exposed between it and outer ring of filling.
8-Sprinkle the filling with grated Parmesan.
9-Cover with the second circle of dough and seal the edges with your hands, and then use a fork to press together.
10-Place a small bowl, upside down, in the middle of the pie and press lightly to make an indentation. Use a fork to press perforations around the edge of the bowl. (I advise using a ceramic bowl or large cup with smooth edges.)
11-Leaving the bowl in place, cut the dough with a knife into pieces approximately 2 cm/3/4 inch wide, keeping it attached at the center, near the bowl edge.
12-Gently twist each slice halfway, so filling faces upward. Continue until each slice is twisted. Remove bowl.
13-Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until golden brown.