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Chard and Ricotta Torta





Yields
Makes 6 to 8 servings

Notes: You can cook the chard (steps 2 and 3) up to 1 day ahead; cover and chill. Frozen bread dough is ususllly sold in packages containing two or three 1-pound portions. To thaw, remove one portion, place on a lightly floured surface, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature for abot 45 minutes.

Chard and Ricotta Torta




James Carrier
 1 pound frozen bread dough thawed (see notes)
 3 pounds red or green chard (about 3 bunches)
 1 tablespoon olive oil
 1 tablespoon minced garlic
 2 large eggs
 3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
 6 tablespoons whipping cream
 1/4 cup chopped pitted calamata olives
 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
 1/4 teaspoon salt
 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Step 1
1

Cut off a third of the bread dough. With lightly floured hands, flatten both portions into disks. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand while preparing filling, about 30 minutes.

Step 2
2

Rinse chard and tear leaves form center ribs; discard center ribs and stems or save for another use.

Step 3
3

Pour oil into a 12-inch frying pan or a 14-inch wok over medium-high heat; when hot, add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute, Add chard and stir frequently until evenly wilted, 12 to 15minutes. Transfer mixture to a strainer and let drain until cool enough to handle. Squeeze chard to remove all liquid, then corasely chop.

Step 4
4

In a bowl, mix chard, 1 egg, ricotta, 1/4 cup cream, olives, lemon peel, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 5
5

With a lightl floured rolling pin, on a lightly floured surface, roll the larger portion of dough into a 12-inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Brush off excess flour. Fit into a 10-inch cheesecake pan wit removable rime and fold excess dough down so that edges come about halfway up sides of pan; press dough gently against sides of pan. Add chard mixture and spread level. Roll remaining dough into a 10-inch round. Center over filling and pinch with the sides to seal. In a small bowl, beat remaining egg with remaining 2 tablespoons cream to blend. Brush top crust with egg mixture; discard remainder.

Step 6
6

Bake in a 375ยบ regular or convection oven until top is richly browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool about 10 minutes, then run a small sharp knife between tart and pan rim to loosen; remove rim. Use a serrated knife to slice into wedges. Serve warm or cool.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 314Calories from Fat 37
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 4.5g23%
Cholesterol 73mg25%
Sodium 820mg35%
Total Carbohydrate 41g14%

Dietary Fiber 3.8g16%
Protein 13g26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.