GRAIN AND RICOTTA PIE

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Grain and Ricotta Pie image

Provided by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich

Categories     Food Processor     Dairy     Dessert     Bake     Ricotta     Party     Whole Wheat

Yield Makes 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 cups fresh or packaged whole-milk ricotta
For the Pasta Frolla Dough
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
Grated zest of 1 lemon
2 cups (1 pound) unsalted butter or shortening, cut into 1-inch pieces, at room temperature
4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling
2 cups hulled wheat kernels
4 cups milk
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons orange water*
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup candied lemon or orange peel, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Confectioners' sugar
Orange-flour water is made by distilling orange oil. It is available in specialty food stores and Middle Eastern groceries.

Steps:

  • Spoon the ricotta into a large fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with a double thickness of cheesecloth or a basket-type coffee filter. Set the sieve over a bowl and cover the ricotta well with plastic wrap. Drain in the refrigerator at least overnight, or up to 24 hours. Discard the liquid in the bottom of the bowl.
  • Make the dough:
  • Process 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 egg yolks, and the lemon zest in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade until all ingredients are blended. Add the butter and process, using quick on/off pulses, just until incorporated. Scrape out the dough into a mixing bowl and stir in the flour just until you have a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour, or up to 1 day.
  • Make the filling:
  • Soak the wheat kernels in a bowl with enough water to cover by three fingers until softened, 3 to 4 hours. Drain well.
  • Bring the milk to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Stir in the drained wheat and 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar. Return to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the wheat kernels are tender but still have some bite, about 45 minutes. (Most of the milk will have been absorbed.) Drain, and cool to room temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 12-inch springform pan. Roll out two-thirds of the dough into a 16-inch circle about 1/4 inch thick. Lift the dough circle into the pan, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides and into the corners of the pan. Most likely the dough will tear. Don't be alarmed, simply press the torn edges together after fitting the dough into the pan. Roll out the remaining dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle, and slide onto a baking sheet. Refrigerate the lined pan and rolled dough until needed.
  • Process the remaining 2 1/4 quarter cups granulated sugar, the eggs, and egg yolks in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade until pale yellow. Spoon in the drained ricotta and add the orange water and cinnamon. Mix, using quick on/off pulses, just until blended. Scrape the ricotta mixture into the bowl with the grain, scatter the candied fruit peel over all, and fold together with a rubber spatula until blended. Scrape the filling into the pre-prepared pastry shell.
  • Cut the 12-inch pastry circle into 1/2-inch strips. Make a lattice top by laying strips of the dough in alternating directions over the filling. Press the strips of dough gently to join them to the dough along the sides of the pan and pinch off any overhanging dough.
  • Bake until pastry is golden brown and the center feels springy when poked with a finger, about 1 1/2 hours. Remove, and cool completely before serving. The cake will keep, refrigerated, for up to a week. It will be better a day or two after baking. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Ntshidiseng Senyane
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This pie is the worst thing I've ever eaten. I wouldn't even feed it to my dog.


henry ducusin
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I've tried this recipe several times and it's always a disaster. I'm giving up.


Ngozi Ogbolu
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This pie is a waste of time and money. It's bland and boring. I would not recommend it to anyone.


Shihab Alhasan
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The instructions were a bit confusing. I'm not sure if I did something wrong, but my pie didn't turn out looking like the picture.


Jacques Smith
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This pie is way too rich for my taste. I couldn't even finish one slice.


Srabon Sarker
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I'm not sure what went wrong, but my pie turned out soggy. I think I might have added too much milk to the filling.


Kal Yon
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I made this pie for my vegetarian friends and they loved it! It's a great meatless main course.


Queen Jijo
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This pie is perfect for a potluck or party. It's easy to transport and it's always a hit.


Miss Lamia
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I'm not a big fan of ricotta cheese, but I loved this pie. The grain and ricotta filling is creamy and flavorful, and the crust is perfectly flaky.


makhel dickerson
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This pie is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth the effort. The end result is a delicious and impressive dish.


Emely Orellana
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I added some chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a pop of color and flavor. It was delicious!


Norcal Boss
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This pie is a great way to use up leftover grains. I used quinoa, but I think any type of grain would work well.


Dani Bell
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I was a bit skeptical about this recipe at first, but I'm so glad I tried it! The grain and ricotta filling is surprisingly flavorful and the crust is perfectly flaky.


Katrina French
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This pie is the perfect comfort food. It's warm, cheesy, and satisfying. I love serving it with a side of salad.


Haaas Zarra
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I've made this pie several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's easy to make and it's always delicious.


Ceaser Kikumba
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This grain and ricotta pie was a hit with my family! The combination of textures and flavors was amazing. The crust was flaky and buttery, the filling was creamy and savory, and the topping was crispy and sweet. I will definitely be making this again