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Pear and Leek Crostata

Yields1 ServingPrep Time30 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time1 hr 20 mins

For the Crust
 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  cup Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil
 3 tbsp ice water
 ½ tsp salt
For the Filling
 1 tbsp Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil
 2 medium leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced, white and light green parts only
 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
 ½ cup heavy cream
 1 tbsp minced fresh rosemary
 6 oz blue cheese, crumbled
 2 large pears, thinly sliced
 ¼ cup chopped walnuts
 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Prepare the dough:
1

Add the flour, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a couple of times to combine.

2

Add the Colavita olive oil and pulse until it resembles a coarse meal.

3

Add in the ice water, one tbsp at a time, pulsing, until large clumps begin to form.

4

Pour the mixture out onto a clean surface and form into a ball then flatten into a disc. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least one hour (can be prepared the day before).

Make the Filling
5

Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add Dijon mustard, cream and half the fresh rosemary. Cook until the cream has reduced by half and the mixture is thick, about 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Let cool completely.

6

When ready to assemble the crostata, preheat the oven to 375 °F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

7

Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is about ¼ inch thick and 14-16 inches around. Gently roll the dough up on to the rolling pin and transfer it to the center of the parchment-lined pan.

8

Spread the cooled leek mixture evenly around the dough, leaving a 2 inch border on the outside.

9

Arrange the pears in a circular pattern on top of the leeks. Feel free to overlap them for a pinwheel effect.

10

Sprinkle the blue cheese and the walnuts on top of the pears.

11

Garnish with the remaining rosemary, a pinch of salt and a drizzle of Colavita EVOO.

12

Carefully gather the outer border of dough and fold it up and over the filling to form a 1 to 2 inch crust.

13

Brush the outer crust with egg wash (this will produce a prettier, more golden-brown crust).

14

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

15

Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.