How to make a Sicilian Ricotta Pie

Grandma’s Sicilian Ricotta pie. There are many versions of this pie. In the past, I have made it more in the form of an actual pie but this year opted for a larger version – almost a cheesecake.

I also kept the sugar to a minimum but if you like your desserts sweeter, feel free to add in more sugar.  

For the dough, I used a simple ‘pasta frolla’ or pastry dough that comes together in about 30 seconds in the food processor.

INGREDIENTS:

For the dough (pasta frolla):

• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), chilled and diced into small piece
• 1/3 cup sugar
• A pinch of salt
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• A few tablespoons of cold water

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup sugar (use 3/4 cup if you like your desserts sweeter)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 pounds ricotta, drained well if store bought
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

Lightly butter a 9″ springform pan and set aside.

Make the pie crust:

1. Put all ingredients (eggs, flour, butter, sugar, salt) except the water into the bowl of a food processor or large bowl.  
2. If using a food processor, pulse the ingredients until a ball forms.
3. If too dry, add the water tablespoon by tablespoon until the dough comes together.
4. And if mixing by hand, mix all ingredients with your hands until the dough comes together.
5. Add water tablespoon by tablespoon if too dry until the dough comes together. Knead until smooth – about 30 seconds or so.
6. Gather the dough into a ball. Flatten and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Prepare the filling: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle that will fit in the prepared pan.  
3. Keep the dough as thin as possible.
4. Roll around the rolling pin and unwrap into the prepared pan.
5. Cut off any excess dough around the top.
6. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork and chill until ready to fill.
7. In a large bowl, beat together the ricotta and sugar until smooth.
8. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg.
9. Add in the vanilla and cinnamon. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
10. Pour the filling into the chilled shell.
11. Bake the pie for about 45 minutes or until set in the middle.  
12. Cool, dust with cinnamon and serve!
13. Buon appetito!

RECIPE FROM: https://ouritaliantable.com/sicilian-ricotta-pie/

Buon Mangiata!

Meet Anita Augello – The woman behind all of these Italian favorites.

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