Maria’s Easter (Wheat) Pie-“Pastiera di Grano”

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 1
Maria's Easter (Wheat) Pie - Pastiera di Grano recipe
in Dessert

Prep

45 min

Cook

1 hour

Ready In

1 hour 45 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

18 ounces whole milk
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons freshly grated lemons , rind of
1/2 cup finely minced candied citron peel ( well rinsed and drained before mincing ) ( optional )
2 cups cooked wheat ( about 1/2-3/4 pound of dry wheat should = 2 cups cooked ) or 1 1/2-2 cups cooked drained arborio rice
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons butter
8 large eggs
2 1/2 cups sugar ( cut sugar by 1/2 cup if using the citron )
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemons , rind of
1 lb whole milk ricotta cheese ( drained if very wet )
1/2 - 3/4 cup butter
3 eggs or 2 extra large egg yolks
2 1/2 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon , rind of

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
580
Sugar
63g
Fat
24g
Maria's Easter (Wheat) Pie - Pastiera di Grano is a traditional Italian dessert that is typically served during Easter. It is a delicious and creamy pie that is filled with a mixture of wheat, ricotta cheese, and eggs. While the origins of the recipe are not clear, it is believed to date back to ancient pagan times and was later adopted by Christians as a part of their Easter celebrations. The pie is often made by Italian grandmothers and passed down through generations, making it a meaningful and special dessert for families to share on Easter day. The recipe is quite versatile, allowing for variations in the filling and crust, but it always remains a beloved symbol of Easter in Italy.

Instructions

1.For the crust, in a large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, and lemon zest. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
2.Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
3.Gradually add in the flour until the dough comes together.
4.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth.
5.Shape the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6.For the filling, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, sugar, flour, lemon zest, and candied citron peel in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.
7.Remove from heat and let cool.
8.Once cooled, add the cooked wheat, whole milk, butter, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, ricotta cheese, and eggs yolks. Mix well until combined.
9.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
10.Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
11.Line the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan with the dough.
12.Pour the filling into the crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
13.Bake for approximately 1 hour until the top is golden brown.
14.Let cool before serving.

PROS

Maria’s Easter (Wheat) Pie – Pastiera di Grano is a delicious traditional Italian dessert that is perfect for celebrating Easter.
The creamy filling is a combination of wheat, ricotta cheese, and eggs, and it is flavored with lemon zest and candied citron peel.
The crust is buttery and crumbly, providing the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing you to focus on your meal preparation on Easter day.

CONS

This dessert recipe requires several steps and a fair amount of preparation time, so it may not be suitable for beginners.

Additionally, while a small amount of candied citron peel can be used to add flavor to the filling, it is optional and may be difficult to find in some areas.

Finally, this dessert is quite rich and high in calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Maria’s Easter (Wheat) Pie – Pastiera di Grano is not a particularly healthy dessert, it does contain some healthful ingredients.
The use of whole wheat provides fiber, which can contribute to better digestive health.
Eggs are a good source of protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals.
Ricotta cheese is high in calcium and can support bone health.
However, this dessert is also high in sugar and fat, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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