Spinach and Sausage Pie

By Addie

A flaky homemade crust holds up well in this pleasing pie brimming with sausage, cheese and vegetables. Serve it for breakfast lunch or dinner along with a fruit cup or garden salad. (Taste of Home)

Ingredients

• CRUST:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup white cornmeal
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup cold butter
• 7-9 tablespoons water
• .................................
• FILLING:
• 3/4 pound bulk Italian pork sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Preparation

Step 1

In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, Parmesan cheese and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until mixture can be formed into a ball. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook sausage and onion in a skillet until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Add mushrooms and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender; drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine ricotta and 2 eggs. Add spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, flour and sausage mixture; mix well. Divide dough in half; roll one half to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Spoon filling into crust. Roll remaining pastry for top crust; place over filling. Flute edges and cut slits in top crust. Beat remaining egg and brush over top crust. Place on lower rack in oven.
Bake at 425° for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350° and bake 25-30 minutes longer or until golden brown. If necessary, cover edges of crust with foil to prevent overbrowning. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Yield: 6-8 servings.