The Italians have many versions of the Italian Easter pie.
Some recipes call for savory ingredients; others sweet.
The savory version often combines ricotta, with various meats such as prosciutto and salami and cheeses.
Another common sweet version includes grain such as wheat berries with the ricotta (typically known as pastiera Napoletana).
My personal favorite has always been this simple, sweet creamy version that invariably filled my mother’s kitchen with an aroma that prompted our neighbors from their homes in order to follow the scent.
Hints of cinnamon and vanilla mingle beautifully with fluffy ricotta and a simple buttery flaky crust.
The pie comes together quickly even with making a homemade crust.
In a pinch, you could substitute your favorite pre-made crust.
However, the crust takes such little time, it is worth the few extra minutes and dishes to wash.
Try to use fresh ricotta, which can now be found in many supermarkets.
This fluffier version usually has more flavor.
Be sure to drain the ricotta as indicated below.
If you cannot find fresh ricotta, use the full fat version supermarket variety.
And should you have any extra filling, just pour it into a small baking dish.
Sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon and toss in the oven along with the pie.
A delicious treat!
SICILIAN SWEET RICOTTA PIE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
For the dough:
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), chilled and diced into small pieces
- 1/3 cup sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- A few tablespoons of cold water
For the filling:
- 3 pounds ricotta, drained well if store bought
- 1/2 cup sugar (use 3/4 cup if you like your desserts sweeter)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 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:
Prepare the filling:
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