Best 11 Italian Easter Rice Pie Recipes

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In the heart of Italy, where culinary traditions are deeply rooted, lies a unique and delectable dish that graces the Easter table - Italian Easter Rice Pie. Also known as Torta Pasqualina, this savory pie is a symphony of flavors and textures, blending the richness of eggs, the freshness of spinach, and the nutty goodness of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Its origins can be traced back to the Liguria region, where it is believed to have originated as a way to use up leftover ingredients after the Lenten fast. Today, Italian Easter Rice Pie is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, enjoyed by families and friends during the Easter celebration. This article offers three enticing recipes for this classic dish: a traditional version using a homemade pie crust, a simplified version with a store-bought crust, and a vegetarian variation that caters to those with dietary preferences.

Embrace the spirit of Italian Easter with these culinary treasures. Indulge in the authentic flavors of the traditional recipe, savor the convenience and time-saving benefits of the simplified version, or explore the vibrant colors and flavors of the vegetarian interpretation. Whichever recipe you choose, prepare to tantalize your taste buds and create a memorable Easter feast that celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine and the joy of the holiday season.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ITALIAN RICE PIE



Italian rice pie image

This rice pie with lemon is a traditional Italian pie that is served at Easter in the Naples region of Italy. If you like rice pudding and you like lemon, you've gotta try this pie!

Provided by Marie

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 19

2.5 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes or slices, not melted)
1 tbsp grated lemon (from 1 small lemon (optional))
1 tsp baking powder
2 large eggs (large)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup rice (I prefer short (arborio) or medium grain rice )
1 lemon peel (yellow part only (minimize pith [the white part]))
1 cup ricotta cheese (firm (drain over cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer if too wet))
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp cinnamon (optional but highly suggested)
egg wash ((one egg with a splash of milk, beaten with fork))
sugar (to sprinkle on top if using top crust)
powdered sugar (to decorate top of pie)

Steps:

  • Read through all directions before starting!
  • In a large bowl, add the sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, lemon zest, and cubed butter. Using your hands, cut/squeeze the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand
  • In another bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and then pour into the dry sandlike mixture and stir until all of the egg has been incorporated
  • Press down and form into a dough and then turn out onto counter and knead a few times until there are no dry bits remaining.
  • Form into 2 flat disk shapes, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (this makes enough for 2 pies, so you can opt to use the extra to decorate the top, or save for another pie).
  • I like a thicker crust so I split the dough unevenly; that is, I use about 60% for the bottom and 40% for the top crust - no need to be too accurate just "eyeball" it when you divide the dough.
  • Butter and flour an 8-inch pan. After the dough has chilled, roll it into a circle that is about 12 to 13 inches wide and then carefully transfer it over to the prepared pan and line it with the dough. Use PLENTY of flour under and on top of dough before and while rolling and also on your rolling pin. Return dough to fridge if it gets too warm or sticky.
  • If the dough falls apart you can simply pinch it back together in the pan. Use plenty of flour on both sides of the dough when you are rolling out the dough to prevent sticking
  • After you line the pan with the dough, you can freeze the pan with crust for an hour or so or place in fridge for at least an hour or overnight. This helps to prevent shrinkage.
  • If you want to top the pie with pie crust lattice, roll out the crust using plenty of flour on both sides and the rolling pin, and cut into strips. Place strips on baking sheet or dish and chill until ready to use.
  • Begin by adding the rice, milk, and lemon peel to a gentle boil over medium low heat. You MUST stir often or the mixture will definitely stick to the bottom of the pan!!
  • After the rice has begun to slightly bubble, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until most of the milk has absorbed (it's okay if rice is a bit undercooked as it will keep cooking in the oven). Set aside to cool
  • You can also bring to small gentle boil for 2 or 3 minutes, cover, and then remove from heat and let the rice absorb all the liquid for about 30 minutes or so.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, sugar, eggs, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract and beat until creamy (I mixed by hand using a whisk)
  • Once the rice mixture is cooled (to the point where it won't cook the egg in the ricotta mixture), add it to the ricotta mixture and stir to combine.
  • Use the prepared pie shell from earlier step and price the dough several times all over with a fork
  • Pour the rice-ricotta filling mixture into the pie shell
  • If using top crust, top with second pie crust or the lattice strips and top the pie. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar.
  • Place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F on the center rack until the filling is set (about 50 to 60 minutes).
  • Check the pie about 20 minutes and 10 minutes before finished and if crust is browning too much, place a piece of aluminum foil over the top very loosely.
  • Once pie is cooled, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.
  • Cool pie completely before eating and store in the refrigerator. Pie is best enjoyed at room temperature (otherwise, rice tends to harden too much).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 kcal, Carbohydrate 49 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 96 mg, Sodium 151 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 20 g, TransFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PASTIERA DI RISO (ITALIAN EASTER RICE PIE)



Pastiera di Riso (Italian Easter Rice Pie) image

Pastiera di Riso is a sweet Italian rice pie served at Easter. It's similar to a pastiera napoletana, but some would say it tastes even better!

Provided by Pina Bresciani

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h15m

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 1/4 cup cubed butter (at room temperature)
1 cup arborio rice
2 1/2 cups water
2 cups whole milk
1 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
peel of one orange (large pieces)
1/3 cup butter
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 tbsp fior d'arancio (orange blossom water)
4 eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
powdered sugar for dusting

Steps:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
  • Add eggs, egg yolks and butter. Mix on medium speed until large, moist crumbs start to form (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Remove dough from the bowl and with your hands on a smooth surface, gently form the dough into a ball.
  • Wrap the dough in saran wrap and place in the fridge for approximately 1 hour.
  • Add the rice and water to a pot, and over medium heat, let them come to a boil.
  • Once rice and water have started to boil, cook for 8 minutes, stirring often.
  • At this point, add the milk, sugar, orange peel and cinnamon sticks.
  • Still on medium heat, cook the rice mixture for 30 minutes, stirring often so that the rice doesn't stick to the pot, until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has absorbed. If rice is cooking too quickly, turn the heat down slightly.
  • At this point, remove the orange peel and cinnamon sticks.
  • Turn heat down to low, add butter to the rice, and cook for 7-10 minutes until all the liquid has absorbed and the mixture is dense in consistency.
  • Add the rice to a shallow square dish, level it out, and cover with saran wrap. Let it cool.
  • If your ricotta is very moist and has a lot of liquid in it, drain it with a colander.
  • In a big bowl, add ricotta, beaten eggs, fior d'arancio, and cinnamon. Mix with a wooden spoon or whisk until all ingredients are combined.
  • Once the rice mixture has cooled completely, add it to the ricotta mixture, slowly, a few spoons at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon until the rice is fully incorporated into the mixture. Set the filling aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease your pie dish with butter, and then coat with a thin layer of flour.
  • On a floured surface, roll out the dough a few times to soften it. Then roll it out until it's about 1/2 cm thick.
  • Transfer the dough to the pie dish, and cut off any hanging edges. Fill with the filling.
  • Decorate the top of the pastiera with a lattice design. The lattices should sit gently on top of the dough.
  • Bake the pastiera for approximately 60 minutes, or until edges are golden. Let the pastiera cool and come to room temperature, top with powdered sugar if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387 kcal, Carbohydrate 57 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 12 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 117 mg, Sodium 119 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 27 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ITALIAN RICE PIE I



Italian Rice Pie I image

This recipe was acquired by myself from a friend in 1986. It is originally from Naples, Italy. Italian Rice Pie is a tradition for my family on Easter. When I was young, the week prior to Easter was one full of activity in the kitchen. My mother and her sisters would prepare all the food in advance which was then laid out on the table Saturday morning. The local parish priest would come and bless the food for all to enjoy on Easter Sunday after mass!

Provided by Star Pooley and KC

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

9 eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 pounds ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup cooked white rice
1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

Steps:

  • Beat eggs in very large bowl. Add sugar, mixing well. Stir in cheese and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add heavy cream and stir. Fold in cooked rice and crushed pineapple.
  • Pour into a 9 x 13 inch buttered pan.
  • Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for one hour. Check by inserting clean knife into center. If the pie is done, knife will come out clean. Top should be golden brown. Refrigerate until thoroughly cooled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 646.2 calories, Carbohydrate 59.3 g, Cholesterol 326 mg, Fat 36.7 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 21.1 g, Sodium 244 mg, Sugar 46 g

EASTER RICE PIE



Easter Rice Pie image

This recipes makes two Easter pies with rice and pineapple filling.

Provided by TINATED

Categories     Desserts     Pies     Custard and Cream Pie Recipes

Time 3h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup cold butter, cut into chunks
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup water
½ cup uncooked white rice
2 cups whole milk
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, drained
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
6 eggs
1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained

Steps:

  • Grease two 9-inch pie plates.
  • Pulse flour, baking powder, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt in a food processor several times until combined.
  • Place butter into the flour mixture and pulse just until butter resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in 1 egg and vanilla extract; process until dough holds together, about 30 seconds.
  • Place dough on a well-floured work surface, divide in half, and roll each piece into a 9-inch round crust.
  • Fit crusts into the prepared pie plates and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan; stir in rice and return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until rice has absorbed the water, about 20 minutes.
  • Stir milk into the rice and bring to a simmer; cook until thickened, stirring often, about 10 more minutes. Set rice mixture aside to cool.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Beat ricotta cheese, 1 cup sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 6 eggs together in a bowl until smooth. Stir in cooked rice mixture and crushed pineapple until thoroughly combined.
  • Divide the filling between the 2 cold pie crusts.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the filling is set and the tops are golden brown, about 90 minutes. Cool on racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358.8 calories, Carbohydrate 48.6 g, Cholesterol 115.6 mg, Fat 14.2 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 9.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.1 g, Sodium 274.5 mg, Sugar 20.5 g

EASTER RICE PIE



Easter Rice Pie image

This pie is a wonderful tradition to start making for Easter. The decadent custard is held together with the arborio rice. Not too sweet, no one will ever know there's rice in it unless you tell them. This pie is rich, fluffy, and very creamy. A pinch of cinnamon is the perfect touch and adds just a bit of flavor. A wonderful...

Provided by Jessica S

Categories     Pies

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/3 c cooked rice, cooled/room temp. (recommend: arborio)
3/4 c sugar
2/3 c ricotta cheese (recommend: Sorrento velvety smooth whole milk ricotta)
4 eggs
1 pt half & half
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp lemon juice, fresh
2 dash(es) cinnamon (1 dash in batter, 1 dash on top)
1 9-10" deep dish pie crust (homemade or Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust)

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a 9.5"-10" deep dish pie dish with dough. (Recommend deep dish (2") as this is a lot of filling and will come very close to top.)
  • 2. Beat together sugar and ricotta. Add eggs one at a time and beat until incorporated.
  • 3. Add half & half, vanilla, lemon juice, and 1 dash of cinnamon. Mix well. Stir in rice.
  • 4. Pour filling into crust and sprinkle lightly a dash of cinnamon on top. (Photo in this step is of the filling in a 9.5" x 2" pie dish. It will not overflow while baking.)
  • 5. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Lower temp to 350 degrees and bake an additional 50 minutes. Should be lightly browned on top & may be very slightly jiggly toward the center (will set up when cool).
  • 6. Let cool completely. Serve chilled or room temp.

ITALIAN RICE PIE II



Italian Rice Pie II image

This sweet rice pie is a dessert traditionally served on Easter by many Italian families. But this version is so good, I make it more often than that.

Provided by Michele O'Sullivan

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 2h20m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ cup butter
½ cup white sugar
3 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup water
½ cup uncooked white rice
1 quart milk
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
6 eggs

Steps:

  • Stir the flour and baking powder together in a bowl; set aside. In a second large bowl, cream the butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 3 eggs, one at a time, and stir in the vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture to make a soft dough. Divide the dough in half and shape into two balls. Working on a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball to fit two 10 inch pie plates. Line the pie plates with the crust, and refrigerate until needed.
  • Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan, and stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in the milk. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Meanwhile, beat the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 6 eggs together in a mixing bowl until smooth and frothy. Stir in the cooled rice mixture until evenly blended. Pour into the pie shells.
  • Bake pies in preheated oven until the filling is set and tops are golden brown, about 90 minutes. Cool on racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 125.4 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 181.8 mg, Sugar 28.2 g

EASTER PIE



Easter Pie image

Giada's Italian rice pie is the perfect dessert for your Easter celebration or any time of year.

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for garnish
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup cooked short-grained rice
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
6 sheets fresh phyllo sheets or frozen, thawed
3/4 stick (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Blend 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla, orange zest and ricotta in a food processor until smooth. Stir in the rice and pine nuts. Set the ricotta mixture aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Lightly butter a 9-inch glass pie dish. Lay 1 phyllo sheet over the bottom and up the sides of the dish, allowing the phyllo to hang over the sides. Brush the phyllo with the melted butter. Top with a second sheet of phyllo dough, laying it in the opposite direction as the first phyllo sheet. Continue layering the remaining sheets of phyllo sheets, alternating after each layer and buttering each sheet. Spoon the ricotta mixture into the dish. Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the top of the filling to enclose it completely. Brush completely with melted butter.
  • Bake the pie until the phyllo is golden brown and the filling is set, about 35 minutes. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool completely. Sift powdered sugar over the pie and serve.

ITALIAN EASTER PIE



Italian Easter Pie image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 large eggs
3 tablespoons cold water
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) chilled unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, plus more for the pan
22.5 ounces full-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
7 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground spicy or sweet sausage
8 ounces asparagus, sliced 1/2 inch thick
10 thin slices Genoa salami
10 thin slices capicola
8 thin slices provolone cheese

Steps:

  • For the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and water; set aside. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour and salt and pulse a couple of times. Add the chilled butter and pulse about 10 times until pea-size pieces remain. Add the egg mixture and pulse 15 to 20 times until a dough ball forms. Place the dough ball on a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 1 minute. Divide into 2 balls, wrap each ball with plastic wrap and rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
  • For the filling: While the dough is resting, whisk together the ricotta cheese, salt, some pepper and 6 of the eggs in a medium bowl and set aside. In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, add the oil and brown the sausage, breaking up the pieces while it's cooking, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain the sausage on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving behind any fat. Add the asparagus and cook until beginning to soften, 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter.
  • On a well-floured counter, roll out each dough ball into a thin 14-inch circle. Cover one circle with plastic wrap until ready to use. Loosely roll the other dough circle around a rolling pin and unroll over the prepared cake pan, letting the excess hang over the side. Press the dough gently into the sides of the pan so there is no gap between the pan and the dough. Shingle the salami over the bottom of the dough, creating an even layer. Then, add the asparagus in an even layer on top of the salami. Next, add half of the egg mixture and spread it out evenly, then top with the capicola in an even layer. Layer in the sausage and top with the remaining egg mixture, then finally the provolone cheese.
  • Whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush the outside rim of the dough with the egg wash. Add the remaining dough circle to the top of the pie and cut off the excess dough. Press both circles together to create a seal. Brush the remaining egg wash over the entire top and slice a couple slits in the top of the pie. Bake until golden brown, 45 to 55 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.

ITALIAN RICE PIE



Italian Rice Pie image

This recipe has a history. When I was young, tradition was that all the foods to be served on Easter Sunday were prepared in advance. On the day before Easter, the food would be layed out on the table so the local parish priest could come and bless the food. This recipe is a tradition on Easter Sunday. It is from Naples, Italy!

Provided by quotFoodThe Way To

Categories     Pie

Time 1h30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

9 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 lbs ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pint heavy whipping cream
1 cup cooked non-instant rice, cooled
1 (29 ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained)

Steps:

  • Beat eggs in very large bowl.
  • Add sugar and mix well.
  • Stir in cheese and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  • Add heavy cream and stir.
  • Fold in cooled, cooked rice and then drained pineapple.
  • Pour into a buttered 9-1/2 inch X 13-1/2 inch pain.
  • Bake@325* oven for 1 hour.
  • Check after 1 hour by inserting clean knife into center. Knife should come out clean and top should be golden brown.
  • Refrigerate after throughly cooled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519.8, Fat 28.2, SaturatedFat 16.6, Cholesterol 232.5, Sodium 133.2, Carbohydrate 52.4, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 35.3, Protein 15.4

ITALIAN EASTER RICE PIE



Italian Easter Rice Pie image

***PLEASE NOTE I HAVE CORRECTED THE NUMBER OF PIES WHICH THIS RECIPE MAKES, FROM 2 TO 4... THANK YOU TO THE REVIEWERS FOR BRININGT HIS TO MY ATTENTION****Compilation of other recipes I've tried in the never ending quest to duplicate another one of my grandmother's recipes. Many make this with lemon zest/juice or candied citron. We always served this on Easter, it's not too sweet, and not too heavy either> Just right after a big Easter Dinner.

Provided by CHRISSYG

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 4 pies, 32 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 prepared pie crusts
12 eggs
3 cups cooked white rice
3 lbs ricotta cheese
3 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons orange zest
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)

Steps:

  • Preheat Oven to 350 degrees and line 2 9" Pie Pans with the crusts, refrigerate and reserve.
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix the next 6 ingredients with a large spoon until thoroughly combined (no electric mixers here, it'll ruin the rice).
  • Divide filling between 4 prepared pie crusts, sprinkle with cinnamon.
  • Bake about 45 minutes or until filling is set in the middle (no longer giggling).
  • Allow to cool completely before serving, this actually tastes best when refrigerated overnight.

ITALIAN RICE PIE (PASTIERA DI RISO)



Italian Rice Pie (Pastiera di Riso) image

Provided by Gina Marie Miraglia Eriquez

Categories     Dessert     Easter     Ricotta     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

For pastry dough:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
For filling:
3/4 cup Arborio rice
4 cups water
5 large egg yolks, divided
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound ricotta (preferably fresh or homemade ; 2 cups)
1 1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Accompaniment:
Strawberries in Sambuca

Steps:

  • Make pastry dough:
  • Pulse flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor until combined. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal with some roughly pea-size butter lumps. Add eggs and pulse until just incorporated and dough begins to form large clumps.
  • Turn out dough onto a work surface and divide into 6 portions. With heel of your hand, smear each portion once or twice in a forward motion to help distribute fat. Gather dough together, using a pastry scraper if you have one, and form into a thick log. Cut off 2/3 of the log and form into a large rectangle for the bottom of the pie. Form the remaining piece into a smaller rectangle for the top of the pie. Chill each, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, at least 30 minutes.
  • Make filling:
  • Bring rice and well-salted water to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Drain in a sieve and rinse under cold water until cool. Drain well.
  • Whisk together 3 yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl, then whisk in cornstarch and flour until smooth (mixture will be very thick). Bring milk just to a boil in a small heavy saucepan, then gradually add hot milk to yolk mixture, whisking.
  • Pour custard back into saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-low heat, whisking constantly (custard will become very thick), then boil, whisking, 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl and chill, its surface covered with wax paper, until cold, about 2 hours.
  • Stir together ricotta, custard, and remaining 2 yolks, then stir in zests, cinnamon, salt, and cooked rice.
  • Assemble and bake pie:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Generously butter a 13- by 9-inch metal baking pan and line the bottom with an overlapping double layer of foil, leaving 2 inches of overhang on both ends, then generously butter foil.
  • Roll out 1 piece of dough between 2 sheets of wax paper into a 15- by 11-inch rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick). If dough becomes soft, chill or freeze until firm. Remove top sheet of wax paper and invert into baking pan, fitting it into pan. Chill shell. Roll out remaining piece of dough between sheets of wax paper in same manner. Cut 12 (3/4-inch-wide) crosswise strips (you will have a little dough left over).
  • Spread filling in pan and arrange 6 strips, 1 1/4 inches apart, diagonally across filling, trimming ends to fit. Arrange remaining 6 strips, 1 1/4 inches apart, diagonally across first strips to form a lattice with diamond-shaped spaces. Trim lattice to fit in pan, then fold outside crust down over filling to make a border. Brush pastry with beaten egg.
  • Bake pie until pastry is golden and filling is puffed and set, about 1 1/2 hours, loosely covering top of pie with foil after 50 minutes to prevent over-browning. Transfer to a rack to cool. When completely cool, lift pie out of pan using foil overhang and transfer to a platter.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality rice: Arborio or Carnaroli are the traditional choices, but any short-grain rice will work.
  • Toast the rice before cooking to give it a nutty flavor.
  • Use a flavorful broth to cook the rice. Chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth are all good options.
  • Add plenty of cheese to the filling. Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta are all classic choices.
  • Don't overcook the rice. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Let the pie cool completely before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut.

Conclusion:

Italian Easter rice pie is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is relatively easy to make, but it does require some time and effort. If you are looking for a showstopping dish to impress your guests, this pie is definitely worth the effort.

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