Discover the authentic taste of Italy with our Pastiera Napoletana recipe. This traditional Easter pie, hailing from Naples, combines creamy ricotta cheese, tender cooked wheat, and aromatic orange blossom water for a truly unique and delicious dessert. Perfect for celebrating Easter or any special occasion, this Italian classic is sure to impress with its rich flavor and historical significance.

Ingredients:

- For the Pastry:

 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar

 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

 - 1 large egg

 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - A pinch of salt

- For the Filling:

 - 1 cup cooked wheat (cooked according to package instructions and drained)

 - 2 cups ricotta cheese

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 4 large eggs

 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

 - 1/4 cup orange blossom water

 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - Zest of 1 lemon

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

Prepare the Pastry:

  - In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  - Add the egg and vanilla extract, and pulse until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it forms.

  - Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a large bowl, mix the cooked wheat with ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs, and heavy cream until smooth.

  - Stir in orange blossom water, vanilla extract, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Pie:

  - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  - Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Gently press the dough into the pan and trim any excess.

  - Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top.

  - Roll out any remaining dough and cut it into strips to create a lattice pattern on top of the pie, or simply cover the pie with a full layer of dough and cut slits for steam to escape.

Bake the Pie:

  - Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

  - Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. The flavors will develop and improve as it sits, so it’s best enjoyed the next day.

Enjoy your Pastiera Napoletana as part of a festive Easter celebration or any special occasion!

Nutritional values

Pastry:

2 cups all-purpose flour

 - Calories: About 455 kcal

 - Protein: 13g

 - Fat: 1.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Fiber: 3g

Benefits:

 - Provides the structure and base for the pastry.

 - A good source of energy from carbohydrates.

1/2 cup granulated sugar

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the pastry.

 - Provides quick energy.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

 - Calories: About 810 kcal

 - Fat: 91g

 - Saturated Fat: 58g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Contributes to the rich, flaky texture of the pastry.

 - Provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.

1 large egg

 - Calories: About 70 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

Benefits:

 - Binds the pastry ingredients together.

 - Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor to the pastry.

 - Vanilla extract has antioxidant properties.

A pinch of salt

 - Sodium: Negligible amount

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness in the pastry.

Filling:

1 cup cooked wheat (cooked according to package instructions and drained)

 - Calories: About 170 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 36g

 - Fiber: 5g

Benefits:

 - Adds texture and nutritional value to the filling.

 - Provides fiber and essential nutrients.

2 cups ricotta cheese

 - Calories: About 300 kcal

 - Protein: 14g

 - Fat: 24g

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits:

 - Adds creaminess and protein to the filling.

 - Provides calcium and other essential nutrients.

1 cup granulated sugar

 - Calories: About 800 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 200g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to the filling.

 - Provides quick energy.

4 large eggs

 - Calories: About 280 kcal

 - Protein: 24g

 - Fat: 20g

 - Carbohydrates: 2.4g

Benefits:

 - Helps bind and set the filling.

 - Provides protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

1/2 cup heavy cream

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Fat: 40g

 - Saturated Fat: 25g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.

 - Provides fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids.

1/4 cup orange blossom water

 - Calories: About 0 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds a floral flavor to the filling.

 - Used in small amounts for its aromatic qualities.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 - Calories: About 12 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor.

 - Vanilla extract has antioxidant properties.

Zest of 1 lemon

 - Calories: Negligible

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.

 - Provides vitamin C and antioxidants.

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Calories: About 3 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and warmth.

 - Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

 - Calories: About 2 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, nutty flavor.

 - Nutmeg has antioxidant properties and can aid digestion.

This recipe combines a variety of ingredients that contribute to both flavor and texture. The pastry crust is buttery and crisp, while the filling is rich and creamy with hints of citrus and spice. Together, they create a delicious and balanced dessert.