Ricotta pie with apples and raisins

Ricotta, Apple, and Raisin Pie: A Embrace of Flavors and Textures

Here is a recipe that blends tradition and innovation, giving rise to a ricotta, apple, and raisin pie. This delicacy is not just an ordinary pie, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses. With a soft and elastic dough, a creamy and aromatic filling, and a crunchy topping, you'll want to enjoy this pie every day, whether it's for breakfast, dessert, or a treat with coffee.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 2 hours (including 45 minutes for the first rise)
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes
Number of Servings: 12-14 servings

The Story Behind the Recipe

Ricotta pies have a fascinating history, being a traditional dish that has evolved over time. Over the years, these pies have become symbols of hospitality, often served on special occasions such as holidays or family reunions. The combination of ricotta cheese with sweet apples and juicy raisins makes each bite an explosion of flavors and textures – a true feast for the taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 350 ml lukewarm milk
- Zest of one lemon and one orange
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 150 g melted butter (not hot)
- 2 tablespoons melted lard (not hot)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt

For the Filling:
- 750 g ricotta
- 2 eggs
- 200 g raisins (soaked in warm water)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- A handful of semolina
- 3 apples (peeled and grated)
- Rum essence
- Aromatic spices: cloves, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg (all grated)
- One egg for brushing on top
- Brown sugar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the yeast in 50 ml of lukewarm milk. Add a tablespoon of sugar and 3-4 tablespoons of flour. Mix well until you get a smooth paste. Cover with a towel and let it rise for about 45 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center to add the yeast mixture. Add the salt, eggs, melted butter, and lard (both at room temperature), citrus zest, and sugar. Knead the dough well until it becomes soft and elastic. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

3. Shaping the Dough:
After the dough has risen, take it and knead it a bit to release the air. Divide it into two parts: one larger for the base of the pie and one smaller for decoration. Using a rolling pin, roll out a sheet about 0.5 cm thick from the larger piece of dough.

4. Assembling the Pie:
Prepare a round baking dish with a diameter of 35 cm, lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet of dough in the dish, covering the bottom well. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the eggs, drained raisins, vanilla, and semolina.

5. Adding the Apples:
Peel the apples, grate them, and drain off the juice. Add the aromatic spices and rum essence. Place the apples over the dough in the dish, sprinkle a handful of semolina to absorb excess moisture, then add the ricotta filling.

6. Decorating the Pie:
From the reserved dough, form a roll that you place around the edge of the dish. You can also create strips of dough to twist and place over the pie for a rustic look. Make sure the edge is well sealed.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Brush the pie with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar on top. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 200 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes.

8. Cooling and Serving:
After baking, let the pie cool for 30 minutes. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of ice cream or caramel sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Make sure to use quality flour, ideal for baking, to achieve a perfect dough.
- Ricotta: If you can't find ricotta, you can use well-drained cottage cheese, but the texture will be slightly different.
- Raisins: Soak the raisins in warm water or rum to make them juicier and more flavorful.
- Spices: Play with the spices! Add nutmeg or a bit of vanilla for an even deeper flavor.
- Serving: You can enjoy the pie with vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream to complement the sweet taste.

Nutritional Information

This dish, while indulgent, also brings nutritional benefits. Ricotta is rich in protein, and apples contain essential fiber for digestion. Raisins, full of antioxidants, add extra nutrients. Depending on servings, each piece of pie can have about 300 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with peaches, plums, or cherries.

How can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap. It can be reheated in the oven to restore its crunchy texture.

What drinks pair well?
A warm fruit tea or fresh lemonade are excellent combinations to complement the pie's flavor.

Final

This ricotta, apple, and raisin pie is more than just a dessert; it is an invitation to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. I encourage you to make it and savor every bite! Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply as a treat during the week, this pie will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!