Leek, Pesto, and Ricotta Pie
At Nod, we believe your home should be a celebration of family. We’ll be featuring our Managing Director, Michelle, at home celebrating her own family with recipes, crafts and décor created by our friend Sweet Paul.
Let’s make a pact, okay? We shall not gift “old food” to NEW parents! Stodgy and heavy old-fashioned casseroles are the last thing tired and hungry new parents want. Why not treat new moms and dads to this easy yet sophisticated leek, spinach and ricotta pie? It’s a make-ahead gem that after 45 minutes in the oven will nourish and comfort even the most frazzled nerves!
Chunky pesto
Makes about 1 cup
2 1/2 cups fresh basil
1/4 pine nuts, toasted
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Place basil, pine nuts and garlic on cutting board. Use a mezzaluna or a large knife, finely chop the ingredients. Place in a bowl, add parmesan and oil. Mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap. Can be refrigerated up to 2 days.
Use the pesto to make the pie:
Serves 6 to 8
1 large leek, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
4 tablespoons cream
1 cup ricotta
3 tablespoons pesto
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
coarse salt and freshly grounded pepper
8 sheets phyllo dough, thawed
cooking spray
1.Preheat oven to 375F. 2.Saute leeks in butter until soft. 3.In a medium bowl, combine, eggs, egg whites, cream, ricotta, pesto, parmesan and parsley. 4.Season with salt and pepper. 5.Lightly coat a 9 inch pie pan with cooking spray. 6.Unroll phyllo, remove one sheet, placing in prepared pan. 7.Coat lightly with cooking spray. 8.Repeat with 7 more sheets of phyllo, spraying between each layer. 9.Trim edges with scissor. 10. Spoon filling and leeks into the pan. 11. Bake until golden brown and set, about 45-50 minutes. 12. Cool before serving.
By Paul Lowe:
When it comes to making simple crafts or elegant meals, Paul Lowe is the man to call. His blog, Sweet Paul has now spun into a successful magazine, providing tons of useful design tips.