Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is the crispiest. If you prefer, you can use shortcrust pastry for a crumbly shell or homemade dough for a more rustic and controlled touch.

Pumpkin: Any variety of pumpkin is fine (e.g., Delica, Mantovana, Violina), the important thing is that it is flavorful and not too watery.

Ricotta: Use well-drained cow’s milk ricotta to avoid the filling releasing too much water. For a more intense flavor, you can use sheep ricotta (but in slightly lesser quantity, e.g., 200g, because it is more flavorful).

Marjoram: It gives a unique fragrance. You can substitute it with finely chopped thyme or rosemary.

Eggs: They are the main binding element. Not substitutable in this recipe.

Parmesan: Adds flavor and saltiness. You can substitute it with Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano (but the latter in lesser quantity due to its saltiness, e.g., 80g).

Storage

The Rustic Pumpkin Spiderweb Pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating: Before serving, you can slightly warm it in a traditional oven at 302°F for 10-15 minutes to make the puff pastry crispy again.

Recipe Alternatives and Variations

Pumpkin and Sausage Savory Pie: Add 150g of crumbled and pan-fried sausage to the pumpkin filling before blending. This will give a more robust flavor.

Pumpkin and Mushroom: Prepare 100g of porcini mushrooms (fresh or frozen) or sautéed champignons and add them to the filling for a woodsy flavor.

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili powder or finely chopped fresh chili to the pumpkin mixture for an unexpected kick.

“Monstrous” Decoration: Instead of olive spiders, you can create “mozzarella ghosts” (using a round cookie cutter and a small cut for the tail) or “skulls” of puff pastry using a small skull-shaped cookie cutter to place on the spiderweb.

Perfect Uses and Pairings

This savory pie is a true autumn joker!

Halloween Buffet: It’s the queen of every Halloween buffet, perfect for impressing guests.

Main Dish: It can be served as a main dish, maybe accompanied by a simple green salad.

Picnic or Outings: Great even cold, perfect for an autumn picnic.

Wine Pairing: Pairs well with a light and aromatic white wine, such as a Vermentino or Greco di Tufo, which balance the pumpkin’s sweetness.

Origins: The Pumpkin, a Symbol of Autumn and Celebration

The pumpkin, the undisputed protagonist of this pie, has a millenary history. Originating from the Americas, it was introduced to Europe after the discovery of the New World and has since become a staple of autumn peasant cuisine. Rich in properties and versatile, the pumpkin has always been associated with the harvest festival and, more recently, the celebration of Halloween. The idea of the spiderweb is a modern and creative derivation of the classic pastry shell that encloses savory fillings, turning a simple rustic dish into a themed work of art.

The Secret to a Perfect Spiderweb (Without Stress!)

Creating the spiderweb may seem difficult, but it’s actually a piece of cake! The trick is to roll out the second pastry well and use a smooth or serrated pastry cutter to get regular strips. Always start with the main lines (the cross), then add the diagonal ones, trying to maintain uniform spacing. To join the strips, you can press lightly with your fingers or, if you prefer a more defined touch, place small pastry circles at the junction points of the strips, like real knots in the web. The decoration with olive spiders is the icing on the cake, simple yet effective!