Pastira (Macaroni Cake)

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 1

Pastira (Macaroni Cake) - A unique Italian dish perfect for a family gathering or special occasion

by The Chefin Pasta

Prep

30 min

Cook

60 min

Ready In

90 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

425

Sugar

35g

Fat

21g

Pastira, also known as Macaroni Cake, is a unique Italian dish that combines sweet and savory flavors for a delicious taste experience. Traditionally served during Easter, Pastira has become a popular dish for special occasions and family gatherings. This dish is made with ricotta cheese, sugar, and egg noodles, which are baked to create a soft, cake-like texture. The savory taste of the ricotta cheese complements the sweetness of the sugar and egg noodles, making for a unique flavor combination. While it may seem unusual at first, Pastira is a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Instructions

1.	Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 inch springform pan with butter and set aside.
2.	Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions and drain. Set aside.
3.	In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4.	Add in the ricotta cheese, salt, milk, vanilla extract, and butter, mixing until well combined.
5.	Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6.	Pour the mixture into the prepared springform pan, tapping the pan gently on the countertop to release any air bubbles.
7.	Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown and the cake is set.
8.	Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

Pastira is a unique Italian dish that combines sweet and savory flavors for a delicious taste experience.

It’s versatile and can be served as a dessert or a main course.

CONS

This dish is high in sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It’s also time-consuming to prepare, so it’s best saved for a special occasion or family gathering.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Pastira may not be the healthiest dish, it does contain some beneficial ingredients.
Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, which are important for maintaining strong bones.
Eggs are also a good source of protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals.

	5 eggs
	1 1/2 cups white sugar
	1 pound ricotta cheese
	1 teaspoon salt
	1 cup milk
	1 teaspoon vanilla extract
	2 tablespoons butter
	1/4 pound thin egg noodles