Making homemade ravioli is a fun and rewarding process! Here’s a simple recipe for homemade ravioli, including the dough and a basic filling. You can adjust the filling to your taste, such as adding ricotta and spinach or meat.
Homemade Ravioli Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
3 large eggs
A pinch of salt
1-2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
On a clean surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center.
Crack the eggs into the well, adding a pinch of salt.
Using a fork, beat the eggs and slowly start incorporating the flour from the edges.
Once the dough begins to come together, use your hands to knead it until smooth, about 10 minutes. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water.
Let the Dough Rest:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This helps the gluten relax and makes rolling out the dough easier.
Basic Ravioli Filling (Ricotta & Spinach)
Ingredients:
1 cup ricotta cheese (drained)
1 cup cooked spinach (well-drained and chopped)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and egg. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Stir until well combined. Set aside while you roll out the dough.
Assembling the Ravioli:
Roll the Dough:
After resting, divide the dough into two pieces. Roll one piece out with a rolling pin or pasta machine to about 1/16-inch thick.
Shape the Ravioli:
Place small spoonfuls of the filling (about a teaspoon) along one sheet of dough, leaving space between each.
Lay the second sheet of dough over the filled sheet.
Press gently around each mound of filling to seal the edges, then cut between each ravioli using a knife or pasta cutter. Make sure the edges are sealed by pressing down with your fingers or using a fork.
Cook the Ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Drop the ravioli in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Once they float to the surface, cook for 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
Remove with a slotted spoon and serve with your favorite sauce, like marinara, brown butter with sage, or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Enjoy your homemade ravioli!
