Rustic Farro and Ricotta Pie
Experience the heart of Tuscany with this Rustic Farro and Ricotta Pie, a celebrated dish from the enchanting hills around Lucca. Utilizing cracked farro, which boasts a nutty flavor and a delightful chewy texture, this savory pie is rich in nutrients and offers a perfect blend of creamy ricotta, earthy parsley, and a hint of nutmeg. This sumptuous creation is not only a feast for the palate but also a nod to ancient grains that sustained early Mediterranean civilizations. Ideal as a main course, it pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, making it a versatile dish that is sure to impress at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cracked farro
10 ounces (rinsed and drained)
fresh ricotta
1 cup (8 ounces) (fresh)
large eggs
3 (beaten)
freshly grated parmigiano
1/4 cup (for mixing)
chopped parsley
1/4 cup (fresh)
freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt & pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
cold butter
to taste (for greasing the pan)
dry breadcrumbs
to taste (for coating the pan)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 370°F (180°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the cracked farro, making sure to remove any impurities such as chaff, small stones, or damaged grains.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the washed farro with approximately 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and allow the farro to simmer until tender, which should take about 30 minutes.
5
After cooking, drain the farro well and transfer it to a large ceramic or porcelain bowl. Allow it to cool completely.
6
In the cooled farro, mix in the fresh ricotta, eggs, grated Parmigiano, chopped parsley, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring everything is well combined.
7
Grease a 9-inch pie pan with cold butter and sprinkle dry breadcrumbs evenly across the bottom and sides to prevent sticking.
8
Pour the farro mixture into the prepared pie pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the pie is set and lightly golden on top.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side salad for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
38.3g
Carbs
11.7g
Protein
3.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rustic Farro and Ricotta Pie?
It is a savory pie from the hills around Lucca, Tuscany, made with cracked farro, creamy ricotta, and Parmigiano cheese.
Where does this dish originate?
This dish originates from Tuscany, specifically the enchanting hills surrounding Lucca.
What type of farro is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for cracked farro, which provides a nutty flavor and a delightful chewy texture.
How many calories are in a serving of this pie?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish containing grains, cheese, and eggs.
How much protein does a serving provide?
One serving of the pie contains 11.7g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 10g per serving.
How many grams of fiber are in this dish?
This dish provides 3.3g of fiber per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 38.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should the farro be simmered?
The farro should be simmered for about 30 minutes until it is tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 370 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for about 40 minutes or until it is set and lightly golden on top.
Why should the farro be washed before cooking?
Washing removes impurities such as chaff, small stones, or damaged grains.
What size pie pan is recommended?
A 9-inch pie pan is ideal for this recipe.
How do I prepare the pie pan to prevent sticking?
Grease the pan with cold butter and sprinkle dry breadcrumbs evenly across the bottom and sides.
What ingredients are used for the filling?
The filling consists of cooked farro, fresh ricotta, eggs, grated Parmigiano, chopped parsley, and nutmeg.
Do I need to cool the farro before adding the eggs?
Yes, the farro should be allowed to cool completely before mixing in the other ingredients.
What herbs and spices season this pie?
Freshly chopped parsley, freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper are used for seasoning.
What is the texture of the finished pie?
The pie features a creamy ricotta base with the nutty, chewy texture of cracked farro.
How should I serve the Rustic Farro and Ricotta Pie?
It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it very versatile.
What side dish pairs well with this pie?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad.
Is this dish considered a main course?
Yes, it is ideal as a main course but can also serve as a hearty side or appetizer.
How much ricotta is needed?
You will need 1 cup (8 ounces) of fresh ricotta.
How many eggs are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs, beaten.
How much farro is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of cracked farro.
What is the amount of Parmigiano needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmigiano.
What is the historical significance of the ingredients?
The dish features ancient grains that sustained early Mediterranean civilizations.
How much water is needed to boil the farro?
Use approximately 4 cups of water to boil the 10 ounces of farro.
What flavor does nutmeg add to the dish?
Nutmeg adds a subtle hint of warmth and earthiness that complements the ricotta and farro.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, since it can be served at room temperature, it is a great make-ahead dish for gatherings.