Italian Easter Grain Pie

5.0
(25)
21 Reviews
6 Photos

This Italian grain pie is a real treat for Easter. It's also known as pastiera. The filling is made with wheat berries, ricotta cheese, eggs, and candied citrus. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Submitted by Anonymous
Updated on February 22, 2024
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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
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 5 cups water

  • ½ cup whole wheat berries

  • 6 large 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 (14.1-ounce) packages double-crust pie pastry, thawed

  • 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium low heat; pour in wheat and boil for 40 minutes.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

  5. 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.

  6. 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 Facts (per serving)

454 Calories
23g Fat
52g Carbs
11g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 454
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g 30%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Cholesterol 92mg 31%
Sodium 441mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 11g 21%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 106mg 8%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 123mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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