Sure, here’s a concise yet comprehensive homemade ravioli recipe for you. It covers making the pasta dough, preparing the filling, and assembling the ravioli.
Homemade Ravioli Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and wilted
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- Salt for boiling water
- Butter or sauce of your choice for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta Dough:
- On a clean surface or in a large bowl, make a mound of flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add the salt and olive oil. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs and gradually incorporate the flour from the edges of the well.
- Once the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead it into a dough. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, and nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- After resting, divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out one part on a floured surface to a thin sheet, about 1/16 inch thick. If you have a pasta machine, you can use it to achieve an even thickness.
- If the dough is sticky, dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Shape the Ravioli:
- Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, place small mounds of filling (about 1 teaspoon each) onto the rolled-out dough, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Roll out the second piece of dough in the same manner as the first. Carefully place it over the filled dough, aligning it with the mounds.
- Press down around each mound to seal, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped. Use a ravioli cutter or a knife to cut between the mounds, forming individual ravioli. Press the edges with a fork to seal them further.
5. Cook the Ravioli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface and are tender. Fresh ravioli cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli and drain.
6. Serve:
- Toss the cooked ravioli with melted butter, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or your favorite sauce. You can also sauté them in a pan with a bit of butter for a crispy exterior.
Enjoy your homemade ravioli! This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be customized with various fillings and sauces to suit your taste.
