Introduction to Delicious Homemade Ravioli Recipes
Are you a pasta lover looking to create restaurant-quality homemade ravioli pasta dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen? Making homemade ravioli might seem intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think.
In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for making homemade ravioli from scratch. We’ll also share some mouth-watering homemade ravioli recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Homemade Ravioli from Scratch
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over the basics of making homemade ravioli from scratch. To make the dough, you’ll need flour, eggs, salt, and water. You can also add flavorings to the dough, such as herbs or spices, to give your ravioli a unique taste. For the filling, you can use a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, meat, vegetables, or a combination of these.
To make the dough, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add in the eggs and water. Mix the ingredients together until a ball of dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious cheese and spinach filling that will elevate your homemade ravioli to the next level. But feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
To make the cheese and spinach filling, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together until well-combined.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out using a rolling pin or a pasta machine. You want to roll the dough thin enough to create a delicate ravioli, but not so thin that it tears. Cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on the shape of your ravioli mold.
Place a spoonful of filling onto half of the dough squares or circles. Brush the edges of the dough with egg wash and place another square or circle on top, pressing the edges together to seal the ravioli. Repeat until all of the dough squares or circles are filled.
To cook the ravioli, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Gently place the ravioli into the water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Homemade Ravioli Recipes
Now that you know how to make homemade ravioli from scratch, let’s get creative with some delicious recipes. Here are three mouth-watering ravioli recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Classic Cheese Ravioli with Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil. Whisk the eggs and oil together, then gradually incorporate the flour until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, black pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough out to a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick. Place spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on one half of the dough, leaving about 1 inch between each spoonful. Fold the other half of the dough over the top of the cheese and press down around each spoonful to seal.
- Use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut the ravioli into squares. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve the ravioli with the tomato sauce spooned over the top.
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 package of ravioli
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8-10 sage leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a baking dish, toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the butternut squash cool.
- Once cooled, mash the butternut squash in a bowl using a fork or potato masher.
- Add parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs and egg to the mashed butternut squash, and mix well.
- Roll out the ravioli dough and cut it into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the butternut squash mixture onto the center of each ravioli square.
- Wet the edges of the ravioli squares with water and fold over to seal the ravioli.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top.
- In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until the butter is lightly browned and the sage leaves are crispy.
- Serve the ravioli with the sage butter sauce on top.
Lobster Ravioli with Sherry Cream Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 package of ravioli
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sherry wine
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped lobster meat, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well.
- Roll out the ravioli dough and cut it into squares.
- Place a spoonful of the lobster mixture onto the center of each ravioli square.
- Wet the edges of the ravioli squares with water and fold over to seal the ravioli.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add sherry wine and let it reduce by half.
- Add heavy cream and simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the ravioli with the sherry cream sauce on top.
Homemade Ravioli Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make homemade ravioli without a pasta maker?
Yes, you can make homemade ravioli without a pasta maker. You can use a rolling pin to roll out the dough and a knife or cookie cutter to cut the shapes.
- How long does homemade ravioli last in the fridge?
Homemade ravioli can last up to 3 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze homemade ravioli?
Yes, you can freeze homemade ravioli for up to 3 months. Simply place the ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Then transfer the frozen ravioli to an airtight container or freezer bag.
- What sauces can I serve with homemade ravioli?
You can serve homemade ravioli with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, pesto, alfredo sauce, or brown butter sauce.
- Can I make homemade ravioli in advance?
Yes, you can make homemade ravioli in advance and freeze them for later. Simply follow the recipe instructions, then freeze the ravioli before cooking. When you’re ready to eat, cook the ravioli straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.