Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of wheat berries
- 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup of orange blossom honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of toasted almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup of candied orange peel, chopped
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Fine mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Serving bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the wheat berries and place them in a large pot with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour or until tender. Drain in a fine mesh strainer and let cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled wheat berries, ricotta cheese, orange blossom honey, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
3. Fold in the chopped almonds and candied orange peel.
4. Serve in a large bowl and garnish with additional almonds and orange peel, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 170mg
Sugar: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Wheat berries can be substituted with barley or farro.
- Whole milk ricotta cheese can be substituted with low-fat or fat-free ricotta cheese.
- Orange blossom honey can be substituted with any other type of honey.
- Almonds can be substituted with any other type of nut.
- Candied orange peel can be substituted with fresh orange zest.
Variations:
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a sweeter flavor.
- Add chopped fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a burst of freshness.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the wheat berries thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to bring out their nuttiness.
- Make the cuccìa ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storage instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large bowl and garnish with additional almonds and orange peel.
Garnishes:
Additional chopped almonds and candied orange peel.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato or Port.
Suggested side dishes:
N/A
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cuccìa is too dry, add a splash of milk to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to properly store leftovers in the refrigerator and discard any that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Cuccìa is a traditional Sicilian dish that is typically served during the Christmas season.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, nutty, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as a sweet side dish.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian