Ingredients
Method
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a lightly floured counter.
- Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and springs back when poked. Shape into a ball, place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 60 minutes, until roughly doubled.
Make the Filling
- While the dough rises, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a 26 cm / 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the crumbled sausage and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool completely, at least 20 minutes; warm filling makes the crust soggy.
Assemble and Bake
- Heat the oven to 190C / 375F. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two pieces, one slightly larger than the other.
- Roll the larger piece on a floured surface into a 30 cm / 12-inch circle and line a 23 cm / 9-inch springform pan or deep pie dish, letting the edges hang over the rim.
- Spread half the cooled sauce over the base, scatter half the caciocavallo and olives, then repeat with the remaining sauce, cheese, and olives.
- Roll the second piece of dough into a 25 cm / 10-inch circle and lay it over the filling. Fold the overhanging edge up and over, crimping to seal. Cut 2 to 3 small steam vents in the top.
- Brush the top with beaten egg. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling bubbles through the vents.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing, so the filling has time to set.
Notes
- Let the ragu cool fully before assembling; warm filling steams the crust.
- Rest the baked pie 15 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
- Dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated after the first rise.
- Use a springform pan for easy release if your dough is soft.
