Sweet grass

Sweet pascuta is a traditional delicacy, often associated with Easter celebrations, but can be enjoyed anytime you crave a refined and flavorful dessert. This recipe combines delicate textures with rich flavors, offering an unforgettable experience for both those who prepare it and those who savor it. Let’s discover together how to create this wonderful sweet pascuta step by step, bringing a touch of joy to our kitchen!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 200 g butter (left at room temperature to soften)
- 120 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon baking soda extinguished with lemon juice or vinegar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese or ricotta (preferably well drained)
- 3 egg yolks
- Sugar to taste
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- A handful of raisins (preferably soaked in water with rum or brandy essence)
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 egg (for brushing the pascuta)

Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by leaving the butter at room temperature until it becomes soft. This will be the base of the dough, so make sure it is well incorporated. In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with the sugar until you achieve a creamy mixture. Add the egg yolks one by one, mixing well after each.

2. Extinguishing the baking soda:
In a small bowl, extinguish the baking soda with lemon juice or vinegar. This will help the dough rise. Add the baking soda mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, along with a pinch of salt.

3. Forming the dough:
Start gradually incorporating the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands. If you notice that the dough is becoming too hard and difficult to work with, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream to make it easier to handle.

4. Dividing the dough:
Once the dough is well homogenized, divide it into two equal parts.

5. Preparing the base layer:
Take one part of the dough and roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured work surface. Place the sheet in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, sprinkling a thin layer of semolina on the bottom of the tray to prevent sticking.

6. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese or ricotta with the 3 egg yolks, sugar (according to your sweetness preferences), and vanilla sugar. Add the soaked raisins and mix well until you obtain a uniform composition.

7. Assembling the pascuta:
Pour the cheese filling over the dough sheet in the tray. Use the other half of the dough to form thin sticks, which you can braid or twist. Place the sticks over the filling in a lattice pattern. A personalized idea would be to form a cross, symbolizing the Easter tradition.

8. Brushing with egg:
Beat an egg and use it to brush the surface of the pascuta. This step will give your dessert a golden and appetizing appearance.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray inside and let the pascuta bake for about 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

10. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let the pascuta cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It can be served warm or cold, and pairs wonderfully with a fragrant tea or coffee.

Practical tips

- Choosing the cheese: If using cottage cheese, make sure it is well drained to avoid a too moist filling. Ricotta is an excellent alternative, bringing a more intense flavor.
- Raisins: Soak the raisins in brandy or rum essence a few hours before adding them to the filling. This will make them more flavorful and add a touch of elegance to the dessert.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding lemon or orange zest to the filling for a fresher taste. You can also replace sugar with alternative sweeteners if you want a healthier version.
- Serving: I recommend serving the pascuta with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Sweet pascuta is rich in protein due to the cheese, with a significant calcium content, essential for bone health. The butter adds healthy fats, and the eggs contribute to the intake of vitamins and minerals. Although it is a dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. How can I store sweet pascuta?
You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To maintain the texture, it is recommended to reheat it slightly before serving.

2. Can I freeze the pascuta?
Yes, the pascuta can be frozen. I recommend portioning it before freezing, so you can take out only what you need. Make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.

3. What drinks pair well with sweet pascuta?
This delicacy pairs perfectly with a fruit tea, fragrant coffee, or even a sweet wine. A cold lemonade can provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.

Sweet pascuta is more than just a dessert; it is a tradition that can bring family and friends together, creating moments of joy and beautiful memories. I hope this recipe inspires you to make it and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: - 400 g flour - 200 g butter - 120 g sugar - 3 egg yolks - sour cream (as needed, 1-2 tablespoons) - 1 tablespoon baking soda dissolved in lemon juice - a pinch of salt Filling: - 1 kg cottage cheese or ricotta - 3 egg yolks - sugar to taste - 2 packets of vanilla sugar - a handful of raisins - 2 tablespoons semolina - 1 egg for brushing (spread over the cake)