Pastiera Recipe

Traditional Italian Pastiera

Description: Pastiera is a classic Italian Easter pie hailing from Naples, combining sweetened ricotta, cooked wheat, and aromatic citrus flavors. It’s a delightful dessert that perfectly balances creamy and grainy textures with a touch of seasonal freshness.

Prep Time: 1 hour (plus overnight soaking)

Cook Time: 1 hour

Inactive Time: 4 hours (cooling and setting)

Servings: 10-12

Author: Ashton A.K.A. JustLikeGranny

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 1 egg

• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked wheat berries (soaked overnight and then cooked until tender)

• 15 oz ricotta cheese, drained

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1/4 cup candied orange peel, chopped

• 1/4 cup candied citron, chopped

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix flour and sugar. Add butter and work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg and lemon zest to form a dough. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into two parts (2/3 and 1/3). Roll out the larger piece and line a 9-inch pie dish.

4. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine cooked wheat berries, ricotta, sugar, eggs, candied orange peel, candied citron, vanilla extract, orange blossom water, lemon zest, orange zest, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.

5. Assemble the Pastiera: Pour the filling into the crust. Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips to create a lattice top over the filling.

6. Bake: Bake for about 1 hour, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.

7. Cool and Set: Allow the pastiera to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

8. Serve Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes:

• Cooking Wheat Berries: Ensure the wheat berries are well-cooked and soft for the best texture.

• Ricotta Cheese: Drain the ricotta beforehand to avoid a watery filling.

• Flavorings: Adjust the level of citrus and spices according to your preference.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 53g

• Protein: 8g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 30g

This traditional Italian pastiera brings a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dessert to celebrate Easter with a taste of Italy!