Traditional rice pasca

Traditional Rice Pastry - a recipe full of stories, taste, and memories

Every spring, when flowers start to bloom and nature awakens, the Easter holidays approach, a perfect moment to bring culinary traditions to the forefront. Rice pastry is a dessert that evokes childhood and holiday meals spent with loved ones. It is a simple recipe, yet with a unique taste, enticing us with its sweet and fragrant aroma. Let's discover together the secrets of this delicacy!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 350 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 150 ml warm milk
- 100-130 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 70 g butter (melted)
- 3 egg yolks
- 20 g fresh yeast

*For the filling:*
- 500 g sweet cottage cheese
- 2-3 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- vanilla essence (to taste)
- 1 cup rice (approximately 200 g)
- 3 cups milk (to boil the rice) + 3 tablespoons sugar
- salt (a pinch)

*For brushing:*
- 1 egg yolk with 5 tablespoons of milk

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the yeast
Start by preparing the yeast. In a small bowl, mix 5 tablespoons of warm milk with 5 tablespoons of sugar and a little flour (about a tablespoon). Add the fresh yeast and mix gently. Let the yeast sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This step is essential for ensuring even rising of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough
In a larger bowl, combine the flour with the pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and add the risen yeast, sweet milk, and the 3 egg yolks. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula, then knead with your hands. You will obtain a sticky dough. Gradually add the melted and warm butter, continuing to knead until the dough becomes elastic and easy to roll out. Let it rise in a warm place, covered with a damp towel, until it doubles in volume (about 1 hour).

3. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, rinse the rice under cold water to remove the starch. Boil it in 3 cups of milk with 3 tablespoons of sugar and a pinch of salt until the milk is absorbed and the rice is fluffy (about 15-20 minutes). Let it cool. In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the sugar, eggs, and vanilla essence. Add the cooked rice and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Assembling the pastry
Once the dough has risen, grease a pan with oil (24 cm diameter). Stretch the dough by hand, using a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the dough in the pan, allowing it to rise on the edges. Add the cheese and rice filling, leveling it well. Use the remaining dough to cover the filling, forming a lattice or crust, according to your preference.

5. Baking
In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with the 5 tablespoons of milk. Brush this mixture over the entire surface of the pastry to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pastry for 35-45 minutes, until golden and firm to the touch. Check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the pastry is ready!

6. Serving
Let the pastry cool in the pan, after which you can transfer it to a platter. It is delicious both warm and cold. I recommend it with a cup of warm milk or aromatic coffee. You can also accompany it with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a special dessert.

Practical tips for a perfect result

- Use quality ingredients: the sweet cottage cheese should be fresh and creamy, and the eggs preferably from free-range hens.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add lemon or orange zest to the cheese filling.
- Instead of sugar, you can use honey or natural sweeteners, thus adapting the recipe to your preferences.
- If you have time, let the dough rise longer; this will give it a fluffier texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of this pastry contains approximately 300-350 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. It is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, also having carbohydrates from flour and rice. It is a substantial dessert, but with a balanced nutritional intake. Consumed in moderation, the pastry can be part of a healthy diet.

Possible variations

- Pastry with raisins: Add a handful of raisins to the cheese filling for added sweetness and texture.
- Cocoa pastry: Replace some of the flour with cocoa to obtain a chocolate dough, which will add an interesting note to the dessert.
- Fruit pastry: Give the filling a fresh taste by adding pieces of fruit such as dried apricots or plums.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 7 g of dry yeast, but it is recommended to hydrate it in warm milk before adding it to the dough.
- How can I store the pastry? You can keep it at room temperature, covered with a towel, for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it.

This traditional rice pastry is not only a delicious dessert but also a symbol of holiday gatherings, beautiful memories, and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. So, don't hesitate to prepare it and enjoy it with family! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough 350 g flour 1 pinch of salt 150 ml milk 100-130 g sugar 70 g butter 3 egg yolks 20 g yeast Filling: 500 g sweet cow cheese 2-3 eggs 200 g sugar vanilla essence 1 cup rice 3 cups milk (to boil the rice) + 3 tablespoons sugar for sprinkling For brushing: 1 egg yolk with 5 tablespoons milk

 Tags:  easter bread recipes for easter easter recipes easter dishes easter recipes cheese pie easter cake easter cakes easter cake with sour cream cheese dessert easter recipes rice pie