Italian Easter Grain Pie

Dr. Emmanuel Smitham PhD

Updated on May 10, 2024

Ingredients

5 cups water
½ cup whole wheat berries
6 large eggs
1 cup white sugar
1 ½ pounds ricotta cheese
1 (8-ounce) package mixed candied fruit
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 (14.1-ounce) packages double-crust pie pastry, thawed
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan over medium low heat; pour in wheat and boil for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer while gradually adding in 1 cup sugar. Mix in ricotta, candied fruit, orange zest, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
When wheat is ready, drain in a colander and rinse with warm water. Place 3/4 cup of cooked wheat in a small bowl; stir in butter and salt until butter is melted, then stir wheat mixture into ricotta mixture along with remaining cooked wheat berries.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Line two 9-inch pie pans with pastry. Cut remaining pastry into 1/2-inch wide strips for tops of pies. Spoon 1/2 of the filling into each pan; cover with pastry strips to form a lattice pattern. Crimp edges.
Bake in the preheated oven until crust is golden brown, about 45 minutes. Sprinkle each pie with 1 tablespoon sugar and allow to cool at room temperature. Chill overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

454	Calories
23g	Fat
52g	Carbs
11g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 454
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g	30%
Saturated Fat 8g	41%
Cholesterol 92mg	31%
Sodium 441mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate 52g	19%
Dietary Fiber 2g	9%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 11g	21%
Vitamin C 1mg	1%
Calcium 106mg	8%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 123mg	3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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