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Pastiera Napoletana

Pastiera Napoletana

Pastiera Napoletana is a traditional Italian Easter dessert from Naples, blending cooked wheat, fresh ricotta, and floral water into a fragrant, sweet pie. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that evoke the spirit of spring and cherished family traditions.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter diced
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • For the Filling:
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cooked wheat grano cotto

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Dough:
  2. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the beaten eggs and mix until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  4. Make the Filling:
  5. In a large bowl, combine the fresh ricotta, beaten eggs, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
  6. Add the orange blossom water, vanilla extract, and cooked wheat. Stir well to combine.
  7. Assemble and Bake:
  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Line a 9-inch pie dish with the dough, trimming any excess.
  10. Pour the filling into the pie crust. Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the filling.
  11. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is set. Let it cool completely before serving.

Notes

Fresh Ricotta: Use fresh, high-quality ricotta for the best texture and flavor. It makes the filling creamy and delicious.
Cooked Wheat: You can find grano cotto in Italian specialty stores or cook whole wheat berries until soft if you can’t find it.
Floral Water: Orange blossom water gives the Pastiera its unique aroma. Rose water is a good substitute if needed.