The savory pies with broccoli rabe are small rustic delights that are very appetizing, perfect for a tasty appetizer or lunch. The fragrant shortcrust pastry base encloses a creamy and flavorful filling made with sautéed broccoli rabe, pieces of sweet sausage, and mozzarella. A contrast of textures and flavors that conquers from the first bite!
Anyone who grew up in Southern Italy knows the unmistakable aroma of broccoli rabe sizzling in a pan with a drizzle of oil, garlic, and a pinch of chili pepper. It’s an aroma that tells family stories, of grandmothers hunched over the stove preparing simple yet flavorful dishes. And it’s from here that the idea of these mini savory pie versions came about.
To make the pies even more special, the base is made with homemade shortcrust pastry. Just a few ingredients – flour, cold butter, salt, and water – and a bit of manual skill are needed to obtain a crumbly and fragrant dough, which will become the perfect shell to hold the rich filling.
These rustic pies are versatile and irresistible: ideal for an appetizer with friends, a Sunday brunch, or an informal dinner. They can be enjoyed hot straight from the oven, when the filling is still gooey, or at room temperature, maintaining all their goodness.
If you love genuine flavors and homemade cooking with a touch of creativity, the savory pies with broccoli rabe will become one of your favorite recipes.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 6 pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 556.73 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 40.23 (g) of which sugars 0.73 (g)
- Proteins 13.58 (g)
- Fat 39.51 (g) of which saturated 17.19 (g)of which unsaturated 6.60 (g)
- Fibers 7.96 (g)
- Sodium 962.30 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 143 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Savory Pies with Broccoli Rabe
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 pinches salt
- as needed water
- 1.1 lbs broccoli rabe
- 2.8 oz pork sausage, dried
- 5.3 oz mozzarella
- 1 clove garlic
- 3 pinches salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Preparation of Savory Pies with Broccoli Rabe
In a bowl, pour the flour and add the salt and cold butter, cut into pieces. Begin to work the ingredients with your fingertips to obtain a sandy mixture.
Then, add cold water, a little at a time, and continue kneading with your hands until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Form a dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Cut the sweet sausage and mozzarella into small cubes.
Boil the broccoli rabe in salted boiling water for about ten minutes.
Drain it well and sauté it in a pan with three tablespoons of oil, the garlic clove, and salt. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the heat and let them cool.
Divide the shortcrust pastry into two equal parts and roll out one on a lightly floured work surface.
Cut out six discs and use them to line six molds, greased and floured. Prick the bottom with the tines of a fork and distribute the broccoli rabe (cut them a little), sausage, and mozzarella cubes.
Now, also roll out the remaining shortcrust pastry and cut out another 6 discs, with which to cover the pies. Seal the edges well with your fingertips and brush the surface with a drizzle of oil.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 minutes.
Remove the pies from the oven and serve hot or warm.
Tips
You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or ricotta to make the filling creamier.
Storage
The pies with broccoli rabe can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, closed in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil.
Related Recipes
Collection of Savory Pies: Easy and Tasty Rustic Recipes
FAQ
Can I prepare the savory pies with broccoli rabe in advance?
You can prepare them in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
You can use scamorza, caciocavallo, or ricotta for a creamier and more delicate touch.
Can I use a different dough than shortcrust pastry?
Yes, you can opt for puff pastry for a lighter and crispier version or for savory pastry dough if you want a more crumbly result.
How can I make the filling even more flavorful?
You can add grated pecorino cheese or a pinch of chili pepper to intensify the flavors.
