Tortionata with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, roasted and diced 1 red bell pepper, roasted and diced
• 1 zucchini, roasted and diced 1 zucchini, roasted and diced
• 1 eggplant, roasted and diced 1 eggplant, roasted and diced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 24g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 22g (3g sugars)
• Protein: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the roasted bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant to the skillet, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
6. 6.
   Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and press it gently against the sides.
9. 9.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
10. 10.
    Spread the cooled filling evenly over the pastry crust. Pour the egg mixture over the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
12. 12.
    Allow the Tortionata to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Roasted vegetables — Make sure to roast the bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant until they are tender and slightly caramelized for the best flavor and texture.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish without compromising on taste.
• Pastry crust — Keep the butter cold and handle the dough as little as possible to achieve a flaky and tender crust.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Experiment with different roasted vegetables such as mushrooms or artichokes to add variety to the filling.
• Serve the Tortionata warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, either cold or reheated.
• Pair the Tortionata with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tortionata as a main course accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables. It can also be sliced into smaller portions and served as an appetizer or part of a buffet spread.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the Tortionata with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. Dusting the top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra touch of elegance.