If you are interested in making this delightful treat at home, it is important to follow a few key steps to ensure that your turns out perfectly.
Start by making the crust. You will need flour, sugar, butter, and egg yolks to make your crust. Begin by sifting the flour and sugar together in a bowl or food processor. Next, cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture, mixing it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly.
Once the butter is evenly distributed, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing them in until the dough comes together into a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using it.
While the dough is chilling, you can start preparing the filling. Begin by cooking the wheat berries in boiling water until they are tender, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the type of wheat you use.
Once the wheat is cooked, drain it and allow it to cool down. While it is cooling, mix together the ricotta cheese, sugar, and eggs until they are well blended. Add the cooked wheat to the ricotta mixture, along with some orange blossom water and vanilla extract, and mix everything together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
When your dough has chilled, roll it out into a thin layer and use it to line a greased 9-inch cake pan, leaving about 1 inch of dough overhanging the edge of the pan. Pour the filling into the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula or spoon.
Next, use the overhanging dough to create a lattice pattern on top of the filling. This can be done by cutting thin strips of dough and weaving them over and under each other to create a beautiful, braided pattern.
Bake the cake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about an hour, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Once it is done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before carefully removing it from the pan.
Traditionally, pastiera” title=”In Naples, where you can buy the Pastiera”>pastiera is served at room temperature or slightly warm, and is often dusted with powdered sugar before serving. It is a rich and flavorful dessert that is perfect for Easter or any other special occasion.
If you are looking for a delicious dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family, give this classic Italian recipe a try. With a little bit of patience and a lot of love, you can create a truly magical and unforgettable treat that everyone will enjoy.