Ravioli

Ravioli is a classic Italian pasta dish that consists of small pockets of pasta dough filled with various types of savory or sweet fillings. The fillings can range from cheese, spinach, and meat to fruits and nuts. Ravioli can be served with a simple tomato sauce or a more complex sauce made with cream, butter, or herbs. This dish is a great choice for a comforting and satisfying meal, and it’s also a fun dish to make from scratch for those who enjoy cooking.

Ravioli

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• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup water (or a mixture of water and milk)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

Preparation

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour and salt and create a pit in the middle.
2. Add the eggs to the pit and set the speed to medium-low.
3. Continue to mix until all the flour is incorporated, then add the olive oil and water/milk.
4. Mix until a dough ball is formed, then knead for 10 minutes.
5. Allow the dough to rest in a covered bowl for 30 minutes.
6. If making a separate sheet for the other side of the ravioli, cut the ball of dough in half, and leave one half in the covered bowl so it doesn’t dry out.
7. Roll the dough through a sheeter several times until it is approximately 1/8″ thick.
8. Fill the ravioli. If preparing in advance, Dust with cornmeal to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Cooking

1. Prepare your sauce ahead of time and heat it in a pot that is large enough to fit all the pasta and sauce.
2. Boil water in another large pot, then add a dash of salt. Make sure there is enough water to cover all the ravioli, but not so much that it will overflow.
3. Add the ravioli to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes or until al dente.
4. Using a colander or slotted spoon, remove the ravioli from the water and add it to the pot with the sauce. Save a spoonful of the starchy water.
5. Toss the ravioli in the sauce with the spoonful of starchy water for about a minute, then turn the heat off.
6. For a creamy sauce, add a little butter, olive oil, and parmesan cheese (Mantecatura).
7. Add any other herbs you want to mix into the sauce at this point, then plate and garnish the ravioli.

Notes

Al dente means the pasta is still firm when bitten.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Rest Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

The origin of ravioli can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Italy, where it was a popular dish among peasants and nobles alike. The pasta dough was typically made with flour and water, and the filling consisted of whatever ingredients were available, such as cheese, herbs, and leftover meats. Over time, ravioli became a staple dish in Italian cuisine, with regional variations in the filling and sauce.

Making ravioli from scratch is a time-consuming process, but it can be a rewarding and fun activity for those who enjoy cooking. The first step is to make the pasta dough, which typically consists of flour, eggs, and a bit of salt. The dough is kneaded until smooth and then rolled out into thin sheets using a pasta machine or rolling pin.

Next, the filling is prepared, which can be made with a variety of ingredients depending on personal taste and preference. Some popular fillings include ricotta cheese and spinach, beef and pork, and mushrooms and herbs. The filling is spooned onto one sheet of pasta dough, leaving enough space between each dollop to allow for cutting and sealing. The second sheet of pasta dough is then laid on top, and the two sheets are pressed together to seal the filling inside.

Once the ravioli are assembled, they can be cooked in a pot of boiling salted water for a few minutes until they float to the surface. They can then be served with a simple tomato sauce or a more complex sauce made with cream, butter, or herbs. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs are the perfect finishing touches to this classic Italian dish.

In addition to traditional fillings, modern variations of ravioli have become popular in recent years. For example, dessert ravioli can be filled with sweet ingredients such as chocolate, fruit, or nuts and served with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar. Some restaurants even offer ravioli filled with lobster, shrimp, or other seafood for a decadent twist on the classic dish.

Ravioli is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary restrictions and preferences. For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, ravioli can be made with a filling of spinach and tofu or a blend of vegetables and herbs. Gluten-free pasta dough can be used to make ravioli for those with gluten sensitivities.

One popular variation of ravioli is the fried ravioli, which is a crispy and delicious appetizer or snack. To make fried ravioli, cooked ravioli is coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. It is then served with a dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch.

Another creative twist on ravioli is the ravioli lasagna, which is a layered casserole dish made with ravioli instead of lasagna noodles. The ravioli is layered with meat sauce, cheese, and herbs, and baked until golden and bubbly.

In conclusion, ravioli is a classic Italian dish that has stood the test of time. Whether served with a simple tomato sauce or a more complex cream sauce, ravioli is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Making ravioli from scratch can be a fun and rewarding.