Homemade Pizza Gain

Pizza Gain, also known as Pizza Chiena or Pizza Rustica, is a traditional Italian savory pie filled with a hearty mixture of meats, cheeses, and eggs. It is a classic dish often made for holidays or special gatherings, like Easter, because of its rich and indulgent nature. This rustic Italian pizza is a real treat for anyone who loves a flavorful combination of ingredients wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply want to indulge in a delicious, hearty meal, Pizza Gain is a fantastic option.

Preparation Time:

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes resting and baking time)

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb ricotta cheese (drained)
• 1/2 lb mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/2 lb provolone cheese, cubed
• 1/2 lb cooked ham, chopped
• 1/4 lb salami, chopped
• 1/4 lb pepperoni, chopped
• 1/4 lb cooked sausage, crumbled
• 1/4 lb cooked bacon, crumbled
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Equipment:

• 9-inch pie pan or springform pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel (for draining ricotta)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar and active dry yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. If the mixture doesn’t foam, it might be that your yeast is old or the water was too hot; in that case, try again with fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the mixture until it forms a rough dough. If needed, add a little more flour to make sure the dough isn’t too sticky.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step. If the dough is sticky, add small amounts of flour until it reaches the right consistency.

4. Let the Dough Rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This can be done at room temperature, or you can let it rise in a warm, draft-free area.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Drain the Ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer over a bowl to drain out excess liquid for about 15 minutes. This will prevent your filling from becoming too watery.

2. Combine the Meats and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ham, salami, pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. Add the cubed mozzarella, provolone, and drained ricotta cheese to the bowl. Stir to mix the ingredients together.

3. Season the Filling: Add the beaten eggs, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the meat and cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Gain

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions (one slightly larger than the other). Roll out the larger portion on a lightly floured surface into a circle big enough to line the bottom and sides of your pie pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, leaving a little overhang.

3. Fill the Pie: Spoon the filling into the dough-lined pan. Spread it evenly, pressing gently to pack it down.

4. Top with Dough: Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges tightly. You can either crimp the edges with your fingers or use a fork to press them together. Cut a few slits in the top of the pie to allow steam to escape while baking.

5. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top of the pie to give it a golden, glossy finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza Gain

1. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set and bubbly. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

2. Cool: Once baked, remove the Pizza Gain from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time will help the filling set.

3. Serve: Slice and serve! Pizza Gain can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold the next day. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a glass of red wine.

Tips and Variations:

• Customize the Filling: You can easily customize the filling by adding or omitting certain meats or cheeses based on your preferences. Some versions include roasted peppers, artichokes, or even spinach for added flavor.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Pizza Gain ahead of time by assembling it the night before and refrigerating it before baking. Just be sure to take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.

• Leftovers: Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices and reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings):

• Calories: 470 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 12% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

Conclusion:

Pizza Gain is a showstopper dish that brings a taste of Italy to your table. It is perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you want to treat yourself to something delicious and filling. With its golden, flaky crust and savory, cheesy filling, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. The prep time might be a little lengthy, but once you slice into this rustic beauty, you’ll understand why it’s worth the effort. Enjoy!