Pizzagaina: the authentic Italian recipe taking the US by storm

As Easter approaches, a familiar aroma fills the kitchens of many Italian families once more: the succulent Pizzagaina!

Known in Italy as "Pizza Gheina" or "Pizza Rustica" or "Pizza Chiena", Pizzagaina is a savory pie of Neapolitan origin, featuring a rich filling of cured meats, cheeses and eggs, all enclosed in a pastry crust. One of the most famous southern Italian dishes from the so-called "peasant cuisine", this hearty dish created from leftover scraps was born with the aim of satisfying large families' nutritional needs at a time in history when resourceful recipes using leftovers were the norm.

Let's have a look at some of Pizzagaina's typical characteristics, and how it has won a prized place on thousands of dining tables across the United States.

Pizzagaina: from its traditional Italian roots to its triumphant success in the United States

Tasty, nutritious and perfect for sharing with friends and family, Pizzagaina is a delicious, single-course meal that originates from the rural peasant culinary traditions of the Campania region. 

Prepared on Good Friday, Pizzagaina was traditionally eaten on Easter Sunday as a symbol of the end of Lenten fasting, or during the Easter Monday picnic. This custom is still followed by thousands of Italian families today and Stateside has earned the recipe its name as "Easter Pie".

At the beginning of the 20th century, this timeless recipe accompanied the wave of Italian emigration to the United States, cementing its popularity under the name of "Pizzagaina".

A soft heart that captivates all palates

With its captivating texture and irresistible flavor, Pizzagaina continues to enjoy a palate-pleasing success that transcends generational divides. But what are the key ingredients?

Authentic Pizzagaina filling is made with a mixture of cured meats, cheeses, eggs, and vegetables, varying according to personal preferences and what's on hand in your pantry. From prosciutto to salami, from mozzarella to Pecorino Romano cheese, from peppers to zucchini, everyone can create their own uniquely personalized version of Pizzagaina to satisfy the whole family!

One of Pizzagaina's key advantages is in fact the flexibility of its ingredients, which can cater to a wide range of dietary needs. For instance, vegetarians can enjoy an exquisite Pizzagaina made with ricotta and spinach, or mozzarella, mushrooms and eggplant. Give it a try and see for yourself!

How do you cook an authentic Easter Pie? Sign up for our cooking class!

Do you want to learn how to cook an authentic Pizzagaina? Join Cristina for our easy and fun Pizzagaina class!

Coming soon from Healthy Italia is a cooking class dedicated entirely to Pizzagaina, where you can learn step by step how to prepare the original rustic pizza pie in two ways: with meat and cheese, and with ricotta and spinach.

Cooking rustic pizza pie: sign up for our cooking class

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For more information, please contact us.