Italian Easter Pastiera Recipe –
Nothing is better than carrying on family traditions. I love that I’m 100% Italian-American and grew up in a home with some serious traditions, most of which included food! One of my favorite Easter traditions in an Italian household is making Easter Pastiera! This Italian Dessert, rich with eggs and creamy ricotta cheese is also known as Neapolitan Easter Pie to some. The best way I can describe Pastiera is like a firmer, more decadent version of rice pudding that melts in your mouth. The hint of pineapple in this recipe is what makes it for me! After doing some research, I found there are many different variations to this Easter tradition. I love my family’s recipe however, and I hope you do too! Here is a quote I found while doing some research on other versions of Italian Pastiera and I couldn’t agree more:
“Pastiera is a dessert to grow into, after which it reveals itself as a marvel of balanced flavors and contrasting textures. I’m so glad my mom plugged away with this one because now I cannot imagine Easter without it.” ~ Gina dePalma, the pastry chef at Babbo
This Italian Dessert, rich with eggs and creamy ricotta cheese is also known as Neapolitan Easter Pie to some. The best way I can describe Pastiera is like a firmer, more decadent version of rice pudding that melts in your mouth.
-
Cook rice as directed, yielding 2 cups cooked
-
Beat eggs
-
Add cooled rice, ricotta, sugar and vanilla to eggs
-
After mixed, add drained pineapple and cornstarch and mix well
-
Pour into greased 13 x 9 pan
-
Bake at 350 degrees for 60-80 minutes (You want the outside edges to look a little brown and the center should not be watery or runny but firm).
-
Let cool. Best served chilled in the refrigerator.
Have fun and enjoy! Buona Pasqua!