Description
A traditional Italian Easter pie, Pastiera is a delightful combination of creamy ricotta cheese, cooked wheat, citrus zest, and a hint of cinnamon, all encased in a flaky crust. This sweet and aromatic dessert is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cooked Wheat Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked wheat berries or pre-cooked grano cotto
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Zest of 1 lemon
Filling:
- 1 3/4 cups ricotta cheese (well-drained)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water (optional)
Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (or shortcrust pastry)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook Wheat Mixture: In a saucepan, combine cooked wheat, milk, butter, and lemon zest. Cook until creamy, about 10–15 minutes. Let it cool.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, sugar, eggs, yolks, orange zest, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange blossom water. Add the cooled wheat mixture and mix well.
- Prepare Crust: Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour in the filling.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Pastiera is best made a day in advance for flavors to develop.
- Orange blossom water adds authentic flavor.
- Store-bought grano cotto can be used for convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
