How to Make Easter Grain Pie - A Step-by-Step Guide

Easter Grain Pie, also known as Pastiera Napoletana, is a traditional Italian dessert that is commonly prepared during the Easter season. This delectable pie features a rich and creamy filling made from cooked wheat berries, ricotta cheese, and fragrant citrus zest, all encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust. The pie is then typically topped with a lattice crust and baked until golden brown, resulting in a heavenly dessert that's perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends.<...

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Ingredients

  • 5 cups water
  • ½ cup whole wheat berries
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 ½ pounds ricotta cheese
  • 1 (8 ounce) package mixed candied fruit
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pastries for 9-inch lattice-top pies
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar for dusting

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 8 hrs
  • Total Time: 9 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 2 9-inch lattice pies

  • Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium low heat; pour in wheat and boil for 40 minutes. As wheat is cooking, beat eggs in a large bowl while gradually adding 1 cup sugar to eggs. Mix in ricotta, candied fruit, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  • Meanwhile, beat eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer while gradually adding in 1 cup sugar. Mix in ricotta, candied fruit, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
  • When wheat is ready, drain in a colander and rinse with warm water. Place 3/4 cup of cooked wheat in a small bowl; stir in butter and salt until butter is melted, then stir wheat mixture into ricotta mixture along with remaining cooked wheat berries.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Line two 9-inch pie pans with pastry. Cut remaining pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips for tops of pies. Spoon 1/2 of the filling into each pan; cover with pastry strips to form a lattice pattern. Crimp edges.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle each pie with 1 tablespoon sugar and allow to cool at room temperature. Chill overnight before serving.
  • Nutrition

    454 cal.

    • Total Fat: 23g
    • Saturated Fat: 8g
    • Cholesterol: 92mg
    • Sodium: 441mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 52g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 14g
    • Protein: 11g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 106mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 123mg