Ingredients

  • 3-1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-1/2 tbsp. shortening
  • lard
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 env. yeast
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 lb. ricotta cheese, whole milk
  • 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 4 tbsp. parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 lg. eggs, slightly beaten
  • 8 oz. Soppessata, sliced very thin
  • 2 links Italian sausage, cooked, sliced thin
  • 1/4 lb. proscuitto, sliced very thin
  • 2 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped fine
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Method

  • Dough: Soften the yeast in the cup of warm water.
  • Place flour on a board, add the lard or shortening, pepper and salt and softened yeast in the warm water.
  • Work the ingredients together well and until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased deep bowl, cover with a towel and let stand in a warm place until coubled in size.
  • When doubled, punch down and divide into two pieces and roll out, on a floured board, until each piece is about 15-18 inches in diameter, and about 1/8-1/4 inch thick.
  • Place one of the rolled pieces into a 10-inch springform pan that has been greased and floured.
  • Refrigerate until well chilled.
  • (Both pieces of dough and pan.)
  • Filling: Mix together the ricotta, slightly beaten eggs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and salt and pepper.
  • Mix well.
  • Add the slices of soppressata, Italian Sausage and proscuitto and mix well again.
  • Add the basil and salt and mix again.
  • Spread the mixture evenly in the dough lined pan.
  • Brush the edge of the dough with an egg wash. Place the second round of dough on top.
  • Press the edges together to form a seal Brush the top with some more egg wash. Place the springform pan on a cookie sheet and place in the middle of a 375F preheated oven.
  • Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is nicely browned.
  • Remove from the oven and let set on a rack to cool for about 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove springform pan and transfer to a platter.
  • Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.