Neapolitan Pastiera

Neapolitan Pastiera - An Easter Delight

Who doesn't love the sweet and rich aroma of an Easter cake that combines the taste of cheese with a touch of tradition and history? Neapolitan Pastiera is a traditional Italian cake, full of flavor, that deserves to be tried not only during the Easter holidays but anytime you want to treat your family and friends. This cake is not just a dessert, but a true taste experience that will take you through pleasant memories and festive moments.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the Dough:

- 250 g of flour
- 125 g of cold butter, cut into cubes
- 100 g of sugar
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 1 vanilla bean (seeds)
- 1 egg for brushing the top of the cake

For the Filling:

- 300 g of boiled wheat
- 350 g of ricotta (a mix of sheep and goat is ideal)
- 250 g of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Zest of one organic lemon
- 2 whole eggs + 2 yolks
- 1 orange blossom essence
- 1 vanilla bean (seeds)
- 30 g of butter
- Candied citron, diced
- Candied orange peel, diced

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by preparing the dough. In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter cut into cubes. Mix everything for about 1 minute until you obtain a texture similar to sand. This is the perfect base for your cake.

2. Forming the Dough:
Place the flour mixture on a work surface, forming a well in the center. Crack an egg in the middle, add the yolk and the seeds from the vanilla bean. Knead the dough well until it becomes homogeneous. This step is essential for obtaining a tender and delicate cake.

3. Resting the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step will help the dough become easier to handle and contribute to a perfect texture.

4. Preparing the Filling:
While the dough cools, you can prepare the filling. In a saucepan, add the milk and butter, then add the boiled wheat and the lemon zest. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until you obtain a thick cream.

5. Mixing the Cheese:
In a separate bowl, use a mixer to combine the ricotta with the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, orange blossom essence, and vanilla seeds. Add the diced citron and candied orange peel. Then, incorporate the cooled wheat cream. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

6. Assembling the Cake:
From the refrigerated dough, cut a small portion to use for ribbons. Roll out the remaining dough into a round sheet about 1 cm thick. Place the sheet in a round baking pan, covering the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough to a height of 3 cm.

7. Filling with Cream:
Pour the cheese and wheat filling into the prepared pan, distributing it evenly.

8. Decorating with Ribbons:
Roll out the remaining dough and cut ribbons about 1.5-2 cm wide. Place them over the filling, forming an attractive lattice. Brush the ribbons with beaten egg to achieve a golden and shiny crust.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (fan) and bake the cake for about 1 hour or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

10. Cooling and Serving:
Let the cake cool in the pan, then remove it and cut it into servings. Serve it with Easter cheese or plain, depending on your preference. Its rich and aromatic taste will delight any sweet lover.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Cheese: Using a mixed cheese (sheep and goat) gives the filling a more complex flavor and a creamier texture.
- Finding Candied Citron: If you can't find candied citron, you can use raisins or even nuts to add a crunchy element.
- Gluten-Free Version: You can adapt the recipe using gluten-free flour to make this cake accessible to those with intolerances.
- Flavoring: You can experiment with different flavors, adding a little rose water or other natural essences to the filling for a unique taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Neapolitan Pastiera offers a combination of proteins from cheese and eggs, carbohydrates from wheat, and natural sugars. Ricotta is an excellent source of calcium, while boiled wheat provides fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can the cake be stored? Yes, Neapolitan Pastiera keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days. In fact, the taste becomes more intense after a day or two.
- Is it suitable for vegans? Unfortunately, this recipe contains animal-derived ingredients. A vegan version would require substituting the cheese with plant-based alternatives and omitting the eggs.
- What can it be paired with? This cake pairs perfectly with a sweet wine or a citrus tea. You can also try serving it with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Conclusion

Neapolitan Pastiera is more than just a cake; it is a celebration of flavors and tradition. Whether you prepare it for holidays or just to indulge, each bite will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces. Try this recipe at home and let yourself be carried away by the aromas and stories of this delicious cake!