Qassatat tar-Rikotta
Flaky, savory pastries filled with a seasoned ricotta cheese mixture, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 250 g Butter(cold and cubed)
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 4-6 tbsp Ice water
- 500 g Ricotta cheese(drained)
- 50 g Pecorino cheese(grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh mint(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(finely chopped)
- 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the pastry, combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
💡 Tip: Use your fingertips or a pastry blender - 2
Mix the egg yolk with 4 tablespoons of ice water. Gradually add to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough just comes together. Add more water if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time.
💡 Tip: Do not overwork the dough - 3
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 4
For the filling, combine drained ricotta, grated pecorino, chopped mint, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure ricotta is well-drained to prevent a soggy filling - 5
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 6
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Cut out circles of about 10-12 cm diameter.
💡 Tip: You can re-roll scraps once - 7
Place a tablespoon of ricotta filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a semi-circle, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork or by pleating.
💡 Tip: Ensure the filling is enclosed to prevent leakage - 8
Place the qassatat on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
💡 Tip: Egg wash gives a golden sheen - 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer filling, you can add a pinch of nutmeg.
- ✓Ensure the ricotta is very well-drained to avoid a watery filling.
- ✓These can be made ahead and reheated.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
- Incorporate a small amount of finely chopped anchovy for a salty kick.
- For a sweet version, use sweetened ricotta with a hint of cinnamon and lemon zest.