Greek-American Style Pastiera

Ingredients

In this Greek-American adaptation of Pastiera, we incorporate Greek yogurt into the filling to add a tangy twist to the creamy texture. Additionally, we infuse the dessert with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which are commonly used in Greek cuisine. The crust remains buttery and crumbly, but we enhance the flavor by using a combination of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. We alse have the original recipe for Pastiera, so you can check it out.

• For the crust: For the crust:
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (450g) ricotta cheese 2 cups (450g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Powdered sugar Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (Sugars: 20g)
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, sugar, and salt for the crust. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Add the egg to the mixture and knead until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange blossom water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and line a greased 9-inch (23cm) pie dish with it. Trim any excess dough.
6. 6.
   Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
9. 9.
   Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ricotta cheese — Make sure to use a good quality ricotta cheese for a creamy and smooth texture.
• Greek yogurt — Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to enhance the richness of the filling.
• Orange blossom water — Use a small amount of orange blossom water to add a delicate floral aroma without overpowering the other flavors.
• Fresh berries — Choose ripe and vibrant berries for a burst of freshness and color in the garnish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a handful of chopped pistachios or almonds to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• Serve the Pastiera chilled for the best texture and taste.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Experiment with different combinations of fresh berries for a personalized touch.
• Dust the powdered sugar just before serving to maintain its visual appeal.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-American Style Pastiera as a delightful dessert after a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Cut it into slices and present it on a dessert plate. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgence.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top of the Pastiera just before serving. Arrange a few fresh berries around the plate for a pop of color. For an elegant touch, garnish with a mint leaf or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.