Ravioli

Maltese Ravioli Recipe with Ricotta and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ravioli is a classic Italian dish that consists of small parcels of pasta filled with a delicious mixture of ingredients. These little pockets of goodness can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ricotta cheese, spinach, meat, or mushrooms, and are typically served with a flavorful sauce.

History

Ravioli has been a popular dish in Italy for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that ravioli was first created in the region of Liguria, where it was made using a simple dough of flour and water filled with leftover meat or vegetables. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a wider variety of fillings and became a staple in Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

For the Dough

200 g plain flour
pinch of salt
150 g semolina
2 beaten eggs

For the Filling

400 g ricotta
salt and pepper
2 beaten eggs
4 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley

How to prepare

To make the dough, mix the sieved flour, semolina, and salt carefully. Add the eggs and knead until the dough is elastic. If it is too stiff, add a drop of cold water.
Rest the dough for 1 hour, then prepare the filling.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, beaten eggs, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
Divide the dough into 4 pieces and roll each piece into a long, thin strip. Dampen the edges with water.
Place small balls of ricotta about 2 cm from the edge of the pastry, spacing them 4 cm apart.
Fold one edge of the pastry over the other and press to seal. Use a ravioli cutter to cut out the pastry, about 10 cm away from the filling.
Allow the ravioli to rest for 10 minutes.
Boil the ravioli in salted water until they are soft.

Variations

Try filling the ravioli with butternut squash and sage for a seasonal twist.
Add cooked ground meat to the filling for a heartier dish.
Experiment with different herbs and cheeses to create unique flavor combinations.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to knead the dough until it is elastic to ensure a smooth and tender texture.

- Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.

- Use a ravioli cutter to create uniform shapes and sizes for a professional finish.

- Boil the ravioli in salted water until they float to the surface, indicating that they are cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ravioli with a simple tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the ravioli in salted water until they float to the surface, then drain and serve with your favorite sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.

- Substitute the ricotta cheese with goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ravioli ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Simply boil them straight from the freezer for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cooked ravioli on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the ravioli with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti for a classic Italian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ravioli contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ravioli contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of ravioli contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of ravioli contains approximately 15g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ravioli is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Ravioli contains gluten, eggs, and dairy.

Summary

Ravioli is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ravioli is a versatile and delicious dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Whether served as a main course or appetizer, these little pockets of pasta are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for ravioli. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Italy with my family. My grandmother, who was the most amazing cook I had ever known, had been teaching me all her secrets in the kitchen. One day, she decided it was time for me to learn how to make ravioli from scratch.

We started by making the pasta dough, a simple mixture of flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. My grandmother showed me how to knead the dough until it was smooth and elastic, a process that required patience and precision. As we worked, she told me stories of her own childhood, when she had learned to make ravioli from her own grandmother.

Next came the filling, a delicious mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and Parmesan. My grandmother showed me how to season it just right, with a touch of nutmeg and a sprinkle of pepper. She taught me how to spoon the filling onto the rolled-out pasta dough, leaving just enough space between each mound to seal the ravioli properly.

Then came the most challenging part – folding and sealing the ravioli. My grandmother demonstrated the technique, showing me how to carefully fold the dough over the filling and press down the edges with a fork to create a tight seal. It was a delicate process, one that required a steady hand and a gentle touch.

After all the ravioli were made, my grandmother cooked them in a pot of boiling water until they floated to the surface, perfectly cooked and ready to be served. She showed me how to make a simple tomato sauce to accompany the ravioli, simmering fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic until they were thick and fragrant.

As we sat down to eat, the ravioli was like nothing I had ever tasted before – tender pillows of pasta filled with creamy ricotta and savory spinach, bathed in a rich tomato sauce that sang with the flavors of Italy. It was a meal that filled me with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had helped to create something so delicious from scratch.

Over the years, I have made this recipe for ravioli countless times, each time remembering the joy and satisfaction of that first time in my grandmother's kitchen. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of handmade pasta and homemade sauce to future generations.

And now, as I sit here reflecting on the memories of that day, I am grateful for all that my grandmother taught me in the kitchen. She instilled in me a love of cooking and a respect for tradition that I will always carry with me. And every time I make ravioli, I feel her presence with me, guiding my hands and inspiring me to create something beautiful and delicious.