16+ Easter Italian Wheat Pie Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
Easter is a time for celebration and indulging in delicious food. One traditional dish that is a must-have during this holiday is the Italian wheat pie, also known as "Pastiera Napoletana." This sweet and savory pie is a staple in many Italian households and is filled with rich flavors and history. Here is a professional and well-organized introduction to this beloved Easter treat.
Main Ingredients: Italian Turkey Sausage, Onions, Garlic, Red Bell
If you're looking for a twist on the classic sloppy joe, try this Italian-inspired version made in the crock pot. It's bursting with flavors of garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Slow Cooker Italian Beef Hoagies
Main Ingredients: Top Round Roast, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt
If you're a fan of Philly cheesesteaks, you'll love these slow cooker Italian beef hoagies. Tender, juicy beef is cooked in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce and served on a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone cheese.
This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese is given an Italian twist with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Italian seasoning. It's a comforting and indulgent dish that's perfect for a cold winter night.
Warm up with a bowl of hearty Italian wedding soup. This classic dish features tender meatballs, pasta, and vegetables in a savory broth. It's a meal in itself and will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
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Italian Chicken Pasta with Artichokes
Main Ingredients: Wheat, Chicken Breasts Boneless, Dry White Wine
This one-pot dish is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option. Tender chicken, artichokes, and pasta are cooked in a creamy sauce flavored with garlic, lemon, and Italian herbs. It's a crowd-pleaser that will become a family favorite.
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Slow Cooker Italian Flag Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Sweet Onion, Garlic, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Diced
This colorful and flavorful dish is not only delicious, but it's also a feast for the eyes. Tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach are cooked in a creamy Italian sauce and served over tri-color pasta for a festive and satisfying meal.
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Italian Wedding Soup with Pork Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Wheat, Diced Tomatoes, Garlic, Carrot
Put a twist on the traditional Italian wedding soup by using pork instead of beef in the meatballs. The result is a flavorful and tender meatball that pairs perfectly with the classic combination of pasta, vegetables, and broth.
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Kathy’s Italian-Seasoned Easy Vegan Pasta Chips
Main Ingredients: Wheat, Gluten, Olive Oil, Nutritional Yeast, Italian
These crispy and flavorful pasta chips are a fun and unique snack that's perfect for parties or movie nights. Simply season cooked pasta with Italian herbs, bake until crispy, and enjoy with your favorite dip.
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Italian Wheat Berry Salad
Main Ingredients: Wheat Berries, Roasted Red Peppers, Garbanzo Beans
This hearty and nutritious salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Wheat berries, a chewy and nutty whole grain, are paired with tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal.
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Ricotta Stuffed Spinach and Broccoli Pizza Pie
Main Ingredients: Wheat, Ricotta Cheese, Grated Parmesan Cheese
Put a twist on traditional pizza with this stuffed version that's filled with creamy ricotta cheese, spinach, and broccoli. The flavors of the vegetables and Italian seasoning are complemented by the crispy and golden crust.
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Italian Farro Bake
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Clove, Salt
Farro, a nutty and chewy ancient grain, is the star of this delicious and healthy dish. It's combined with Italian sausage, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato sauce, and topped with a layer of mozzarella cheese for a satisfying and easy dinner option.
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Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti Marinara
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Breasts, Egg, Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
This classic Italian dish is made easier by cooking the chicken and spaghetti together in one pot. The chicken is breaded and baked to perfection, and then served over a bed of spaghetti and topped with a savory marinara sauce.
This refreshing and nutritious salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish for a summer barbecue. Farro is mixed with colorful vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon and herb dressing for a burst of Italian flavors.
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Puffed Wheat Squares
Main Ingredients: Butter, Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, Cocoa, Wheat
These crispy and sweet squares are a nostalgic treat that's easy to make and perfect for sharing. Puffed wheat cereal is combined with melted marshmallows, chocolate chips, and a hint of vanilla for a delicious and addictive dessert.
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Zuppa di Farro (Italian Farro Soup)
Main Ingredients: Farro, Pancetta, Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh Rosemary, Low
This hearty and comforting soup is a staple in Italian households. Farro is cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and beans, and topped with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying and healthy meal.
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Crockpot Meatballs with Spinach Mushroom Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Italian Seasoning, Basil, Onion Powder
These flavorful and tender meatballs are made in the crock pot for a no-fuss dinner option. They're served in a creamy and savory sauce made with spinach and mushrooms, and pair perfectly with your favorite pasta or crusty bread.
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Sicilian Caponata Pasta
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Large
This pasta dish is filled with the flavors of Sicily, including eggplant, olives, capers, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy the classic Italian dish of pasta and marinara sauce.
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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken & Cheese Tortellini Pasta
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Tomato Pasta Sauce, Plain Greek
This creamy and indulgent dish is made in the slow cooker for an easy and delicious dinner option. Tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a creamy Tuscan sauce are combined for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Spaghetti Bolognese
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Medium Carrot, Celery, Garlic, Red
This traditional Italian dish is a favorite for a reason. Ground beef is cooked with vegetables and herbs in a rich and savory tomato sauce, and served over a bed of spaghetti for a classic and delicious meal.
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Eggplant and Bolognese Pizza
Main Ingredients: Wheat, Warm Water, Yeast, Sugar, Olive Oil, Red Wine
Take pizza night to the next level with this eggplant and Bolognese pizza. Roasted eggplant, ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce are piled high on a crispy and golden crust for a unique and delicious meal.
The Origins of Italian Wheat Pie
The History Behind the Recipe
The origins of Italian wheat pie date back to ancient Rome, where it was a dish prepared for the goddess Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. As the story goes, Ceres brought a wheat pie to Mount Olympus as an offering to the gods, and it was so delicious that it became a symbol of spring and fertility. Over time, the recipe evolved and became a staple during Easter celebrations in Italy. Today, it is still a beloved dessert that is enjoyed by many during this holiday.
The Ingredients
The Key to a Perfect Italian Wheat Pie
The key to making a delicious Italian wheat pie is using high-quality ingredients. The crust is made with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, while the filling is a combination of cooked wheat berries, ricotta cheese, eggs, and sugar. The most important ingredient, however, is grainy wheat berries, which give the pie its unique texture and flavor. Other traditional ingredients include orange blossom water, which adds a delicate floral note, and candied citron for a touch of sweetness.
The Preparation
A Labor of Love
Preparing an Italian wheat pie may seem daunting, but it is a labor of love that is worth the effort. The wheat berries need to be soaked overnight and then cooked until they are tender. The crust also requires some time to chill before rolling it out. Once the crust is ready, it is filled with the cooked wheat berries and ricotta cheese mixture and baked until golden brown. The pie is then left to cool and set before being served, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for Easter gatherings.
The Symbolism
A Pie with a Deeper Meaning
Italian wheat pie is not just a delicious dessert; it is also rich in symbolism. The wheat berries represent rebirth and the promise of a bountiful harvest, while the ricotta cheese symbolizes the richness of life. The eggs used in the filling represent new life and the resurrection of Christ, making the pie a perfect addition to Easter celebrations.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Italian wheat pie is a traditional and beloved Easter dessert that has stood the test of time. With its unique flavors and rich symbolism, it is no wonder that this pie has become a staple in many Italian households. So, this Easter, why not try your hand at making this delicious and meaningful dish? Your taste buds and loved ones will thank you.