Erbazzone is actually a country tart full of savory greens and cheese, with variations discovered all through the gastronomically wealthy area of Emilio-Romagna in northern Italy. A celebration of early spring produce, related dishes comparable to Greece’s well-known spanakopita might be discovered all through Italy and the Mediterranean with various kinds of greens and herbs, cheese and crust. I used to be not too long ago impressed to make it once more after an extended morning weeding my backyard beds as this recipe takes full benefit of the verdant greens which are popping up throughout whether or not you need them there or not.
We have develop into accustomed to getting access to contemporary, leafy greens year-round, however only a few generations in the past the primary spring greens have been eagerly awaited, a welcome tonic after months of heavy winter fare. A number of pesky “weeds” comparable to dandelions, lamb’s-quarter, chickweed and nettle are certainly edible and really scrumptious within the spring once they’re younger and tender. Dandelions have been used as meals and medication for hundreds of years and have been really launched to the Americas within the early 1600s by early colonists and cultivated for his or her healthful properties and as a meals supply for honeybees. Dandelion greens will finally develop into powerful and bitter beneath the warmth of the midsummer solar, however within the early spring they’re candy and tender. They are often eaten uncooked, sautéed or utilized in soups.
Lamb’s-quarter is one other prolific plant that may be present in gardens, yards and alleys all through central Illinois. A member of the amaranth household, lamb’s-quarter, often known as pigweed or goosefoot, incorporates extra protein, iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin C than spinach or kale. A single plant can drop over 75,000 seeds, permitting lamb’s-quarter crops to simply overrun a backyard plot if left unchecked. Whereas younger leaves might be eaten uncooked like spinach, they do have a barely fuzzy texture that goes away when cooked.
Because the identify implies, chickweed is a inexperienced deal with a lot beloved by chickens, but it surely’s scrumptious and edible for people as effectively. One other European native, it kinds spreading mats on the bottom and has small white flowers with 5 deeply lobed petals. It is necessary anytime you are foraging to verify precisely what it’s you have picked earlier than consuming it. In the event you’re not sure, the grasp gardeners on the College Illinois Extension can be found to reply your horticultural questions. They are often reached at 217-782-4617 or by electronic mail at [email protected].
Erbazzone (Wild greens pie)
For the dough
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon every salt and sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter minimize into small cubes, chilly
¼ cup water or dry white wine, chilly
For the filling
2 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced, or 2 tablespoons olive oil
2 leeks, (inexperienced elements solely) sliced, or 1 onion, minced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups combined spring greens comparable to dandelion, mustard, lamb’s-quarter, nettle, chickweed, spinach or Swiss chard, roughly chopped
½ cup sliced inexperienced onion, chives or wild ramps
15 ounces complete milk ricotta
1 egg
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup finely grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from roughly half a lemon)
Salt and pepper to style
1 tablespoon milk
Preheat the oven to 375 levels. Mix the flour, salt and sugar, then add the cubes of butter and use a fork or your fingers to shortly incorporate the butter into the flour in order that the butter is in pea-sized lumps. Make a effectively within the heart of the flour, add the chilly water or wine, then use a fork to combine within the liquid till you might have a free, shaggy ball. Tip the contents of the bowl out onto a floured work floor and gently knead the dough simply sufficient to convey it collectively (overworking the dough will make the crust powerful). Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate whilst you make the filling.
Warmth a big, nonreactive skillet over medium excessive warmth. Cook dinner the bacon till the fats renders, then add the leek or onion together with a pinch of salt and proceed to prepare dinner till the onion begins to melt. Add the garlic and prepare dinner for about 30 seconds, being cautious to not let the garlic brown, then add the greens. Cowl to steam the greens and assist them to wilt. Sauté briefly, then add the inexperienced onions and prepare dinner till aromatic. Switch the greens combination to a mixing bowl (you should use the bowl you made the dough in). Let cool briefly, then combine within the ricotta, egg, nutmeg, Parmesan, lemon zest and a beneficiant pinch of salt and pepper.
Roll out the dough on a floured floor to a 13-inch spherical circle and slide the dough circle onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Mound the filling into the center of the circle, leaving a two-inch border of dough. Fold the dough across the filling and brush the pastry with the milk. Bake within the preheated oven for 45 minutes till the crust is golden. Let relaxation half-hour earlier than serving.
