Migliaccio (semolina and ricotta cake)

Step 1

To prepare the migliaccio , first cook the semolina. Combine milk, water 1 , salt 2 , and butter 3 in a saucepan,

Step 2

then add the orange zest 4 and heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter. Bring to a boil, then remove the orange zest 5 and pour in the semolina, stirring continuously with a whisk 6 . Lower the heat and simmer for about 4-5 minutes,

Step 3

the time it takes for the mixture to thicken 7 . Transfer to a baking dish to cool 8 . Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the mixture: Strain the ricotta to make it soft and creamy 9 , then remove the seeds from the vanilla bean by slicing it lengthwise and scraping out the insides with the tip of a small knife.

Step 4

Combine the eggs, vanilla seeds, and sugar 10 in a bowl, then whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is pale and smooth. Now gradually add the ricotta 11 followed by the semolina, continuing to whisk 12 . You should get an even mixture that’s well blended without any lumps.

Step 5

Oil a 9-inch (24-cm) cake pan, line with parchment paper, then pour in the mixture 13 and level the surface with a spatula 14 . Bake in a conventional oven preheated to 390°F (200°C) for 60 minutes (if the top is well-browned after 40-50 minutes, cover with a sheet of foil and keep cooking). Your migliaccio is ready 15 : Before cutting and serving, allow it to cool in the pan, then turn it out and dust the surface with powdered sugar to taste.