Ravioli Recipe

Ravioli, a classic dish of Italian cuisine, brings together the perfect marriage of pasta and filling, creating little parcels of flavor that are delightful with every bite. These delicious pockets can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, meat, or vegetables, and are often served with a complementary sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or brown butter sage. Making ravioli from scratch may seem daunting, but the process is both rewarding and enjoyable, yielding an authentic homemade flavor that store-bought versions simply cannot match. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for family or impressing guests, homemade ravioli will always be a standout dish.

Ingredients

For the pasta dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the cheese filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce (optional):

• 2 cups marinara sauce or desired sauce choice
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the pasta dough:

   1. On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
   2. Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt and olive oil.
   3. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs, slowly incorporating the flour from the edges until a dough begins to form.
   4. Knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too dry, add a few drops of water. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
   5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the cheese filling:

   1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, basil, and parsley.
   2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   3. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3. Roll out the dough:

   1. Divide the rested dough into four equal portions.
   2. Using a pasta machine or rolling pin, roll out each portion into thin sheets, about the thickness of a dime.
   3. Lay the sheets on a floured surface and cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.

4. Assemble the ravioli:

   1. Place one sheet of pasta dough on a lightly floured surface.
   2. Spoon small mounds of filling (about 1 teaspoon each) onto the dough, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
   3. Using a pastry brush, lightly moisten the dough around the filling with water to help seal.
   4. Gently place another sheet of pasta dough on top, pressing around the filling mounds to seal.
   5. Use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut out individual ravioli. Ensure the edges are sealed well by pressing with your fingers or a fork.

5. Cook the ravioli:

   1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   2. Carefully add the ravioli to the boiling water. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
   3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the ravioli float to the surface and are tender.
   4. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving plate.

6. Serve the ravioli:

   1. Warm the marinara sauce (or your chosen sauce) in a saucepan over medium heat.
   2. Spoon the sauce over the cooked ravioli.
   3. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
   4. Serve immediately.

Servings

This recipe makes about 4 servings of ravioli, perfect for a small family meal or a gathering with friends.

Enjoy your homemade ravioli, crafted with love and the spirit of Italian culinary tradition!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Ravioli cutter or sharp knife
• Large pot
• Slotted spoon
• Pasta machine (optional but recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry brush

Detailed Tips for Preparing the Recipe

1. Proper Dough Hydration: Ensure that the pasta dough is not too dry or too wet. It should be elastic and smooth to roll out properly without tearing.
2. Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes after kneading. This helps in relaxing the gluten, making it easier to roll out thinly.
3. Uniform Thickness: Roll the pasta dough uniformly thin. It should be about 1/16 inch thick. Uneven dough can cause uneven cooking.
4. Seal the Edges Well: Press down firmly around the edges of the ravioli to ensure they are well-sealed to avoid any filling leakage during cooking.
5. Avoid Overfilling: Use a small amount of filling to avoid the ravioli bursting. About a teaspoon per ravioli is sufficient.
6. Cook in Small Batches: Cook the ravioli in small batches in well-salted, boiling water to prevent them from sticking to each other.
7. Storage for Later Use: If making ravioli in advance, layer them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dusted with flour. Freeze them individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
8. Sauce Pairing: Pair the ravioli with a complementary sauce like marinara, a simple brown butter sage sauce, or a creamy Alfredo to enhance the flavors.

Skill (Difficulty) Level

Intermediate

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

Serve ravioli on a warmed plate to prevent them from cooling too quickly. For a more elegant presentation:

• Drizzle the chosen sauce gently over the ravioli.
• Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple tossed green salad.
• Complement the meal with a glass of crisp white wine or Italian red wine like Chianti.

Storage Conditions

Ravioli can be stored in the following ways:

• Refrigeration: Store cooked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a small amount of sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked ravioli by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until firm, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Health Benefits

• Carbohydrates: The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy.
• Proteins: Depending on the filling, ravioli can offer a substantial protein boost, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Ingredients such as spinach or herbs in the filling can add vitamins like A and C. Cheese fillings provide calcium which is vital for bone health.
• Fiber: If whole-grain pasta is used, the fiber content is increased, aiding in digestion.

Recommendations for Vegans

For a vegan-friendly ravioli:

• Use a vegan pasta dough that includes flour, water, and olive oil.
• Substitute traditional fillings with plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese, roasted vegetable mixtures, or tofu ricotta.
• Opt for sauces that do not contain dairy or meat products; marinara or a vegan pesto would be excellent choices.

Similar Recipes

• Tortellini: Another filled pasta typically smaller in size and often filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Lasagna: Layered pasta with cheese, meat (or vegetables), and sauce.
• Manicotti: Tubular pasta filled with cheese and often baked with marinara or béchamel sauce.
• Pierogi: Polish filled dumplings, similar to ravioli, but often filled with potato or cheese.

Prepare and savor your delightful homemade ravioli using these comprehensive guidelines! Buon appetito!