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.
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- 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.
- 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.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the fresh ricotta, beaten eggs, and sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Add the orange blossom water, vanilla extract, and cooked wheat. Stir well to combine.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.