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Pastiera (Italian Easter Pie) Recipe

Pastiera (Italian Easter Pie) Recipe
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4.6 from 5 reviews

Pastiera is a classic Italian Easter pie filled with creamy ricotta, cooked wheat berries, and fragrant citrus flavors. This traditional dessert features a flaky crust and a lattice top, making it a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday table.

Ingredients

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For the crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1–2 tablespoons cold water as needed

For the filling:

  • 1 cup cooked wheat berries (or pre-cooked wheat for pastiera, drained)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup candied orange peel, diced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and mix until dough forms, adding cold water if needed. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Make the filling: Cook wheat berries, milk, and butter until thickened. In a bowl, beat ricotta, sugar, eggs, vanilla, orange blossom water, zest, and cinnamon. Stir in wheat mixture and orange peel.
  3. Assemble and bake: Roll out dough, fit into a pie pan, pour in filling. Create a lattice top with remaining dough. Bake until set.

Notes

  • Pastiera is best made a day in advance for optimal flavor.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/pastiera-italian-easter-pie-recipe/