A Taste of Italy: Pastiera Napoletana
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this classic Italian recipe, the Pastiera Napoletana. This traditional Neapolitan dessert is a rich and creamy pie filled with cooked wheat, ricotta cheese, candied fruit, and aromatic ingredients such as orange blossom water and vanilla.
Perfect for special occasions like Easter or Christmas, the Pastiera Napoletana is a beloved treat that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Its unique combination of sweet and citrusy flavors makes it a delightful ending to any meal.
Experience a taste of Italy with this decadent dessert that will transport you to the streets of Naples. Whether enjoyed with family or friends, the Pastiera Napoletana is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Italian Recipe: Pastiera Napoletana (Neapolitan Pastiera)
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of wheat berries
– 4 cups of whole milk
– 1 cup of sugar
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup of candied citron, chopped
– 1/2 cup of candied orange peel, chopped
– 6 eggs
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– Pastry dough for a 9-inch pie crust
Preparation time: Approximately 30 minutes
Serves: 4 persons
Cooking time: Approximately 90 minutes
This Neapolitan dessert is a traditional Italian Easter treat that requires some time and effort to make, but the end result is well worth it. The combination of wheat berries, ricotta cheese, and citrus flavors creates a deliciously unique dessert.
Instructions:
Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the wheat berries and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour until the wheat berries are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, candied citron, and candied orange peel. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Stir in the softened butter and ricotta cheese until well combined. Fold in the cooked wheat berries.
Step 5: Roll out the pastry dough and line the greased pie dish with it. Pour in the filling mixture.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about an hour or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Allow to cool before serving.
The difficulty score for this recipe would be 7 out of 10. While the ingredients are relatively simple, there are multiple steps involved in preparing this traditional Italian dessert that require attention to detail. However, with patience and careful execution, you can create a delicious Neapolitan Pastiera that will impress your guests!
Nutrition: Pastiera Napoletana (Neapolitan Pastiera)
Here is the nutrition per serving based on the recipe for Pastiera Napoletana (Neapolitan Pastiera):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
The Neapolitan Pastiera is a traditional Italian Easter dessert made with ricotta cheese, wheat berries, eggs, and orange blossom water. It is rich in protein from the ricotta cheese and eggs, while also providing a good source of carbohydrates from the wheat berries. The dish is relatively low in fat and contains some fiber from the wheat.
This Italian recipe is a delicious treat enjoyed during the Easter season, but should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content. Pairing it with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad can help balance out the meal and make it a healthier option.
Serving suggestions for Pastiera Napoletana (Neapolitan Pastiera)
If you are serving Pastiera Napoletana, it’s best to let it cool completely before cutting into slices. This traditional Italian recipe is often enjoyed as a dessert during Easter celebrations in Naples, so it pairs perfectly with a cup of espresso or a shot of limoncello.
- Whipped cream: Serve a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice for added creaminess.
- Fresh berries: Garnish the plate with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Powdered sugar: Dust some powdered sugar over the top of the pastiera for an extra touch of sweetness.
What to serve with Pastiera Napoletana (Neapolitan Pastiera)
When serving Neapolitan Pastiera, consider pairing it with other classic Italian dishes to create a full meal experience. Here are some delicious options to complement this rich and flavorful dessert:
- Risotto alla Milanese: This creamy saffron risotto is a perfect savory counterpart to the sweet and citrusy flavors of the pastiera.
- Caprese salad: A simple salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the pastiera.
- Cannoli: End the meal on a high note by serving mini cannoli filled with sweet ricotta cream alongside the pastiera for an indulgent Italian food experience.
Enhancing the Flavor of Pastiera Napoletana
If you want to elevate the taste of your Italian recipe, specifically the Neapolitan Pastiera, there is a simple tip that can make a big difference. To increase the flavor profile of your Neapolitan Pastiera, try adding a touch of freshly grated lemon zest to the filling. The citrusy notes from the lemon zest will complement the creamy ricotta and enhance the overall taste of this traditional Italian dessert.
Spicy Score: 2 out of 10
I would rate the spiciness level of Pastiera Napoletana as a 2 out of 10. This classic Italian dessert is not typically known for its spiciness, as it relies more on sweet and citrus flavors to create a harmonious taste profile. Adding spice to this dish may disrupt the traditional flavors and overpower the delicate balance of ingredients that make Neapolitan Pastiera so special.