Description
Ravioli is an Italian classic, and the filling is what truly defines the dish. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy ricotta, savory meat, or vibrant vegetables, the right filling can elevate your ravioli experience. This guide provides everything you need to make the perfect ravioli filling, from classic flavors to creative variations. Learn the step-by-step process for preparing fillings, tips for balancing textures, and how to customize them for any dietary preference. Get ready to dive into the world of ravioli and create a flavorful dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
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Traditional Ricotta and Spinach Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lightly beaten egg
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or ½ cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional Additions:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (if needed to thicken)
- ½ cup mushrooms or roasted pumpkin for added depth or sweetness
Instructions
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Prepare the Filling:
- For spinach: Sauté the spinach in a little olive oil until wilted. Cool and chop finely.
- Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, salt, pepper, garlic, and the cooled spinach in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with breadcrumbs if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Assemble the Ravioli:
- Prepare your pasta dough (store-bought or homemade).
- Roll out the dough, spoon filling onto one sheet, cover with another, and seal by pressing out air bubbles. Cut into individual ravioli.
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Cook the Ravioli:
- Boil the ravioli in salted water for 2-3 minutes until they float.
- Serve with your favorite sauce (marinara, brown butter sage, etc.).
Notes
You can customize this filling with various ingredients like roasted squash, mushrooms, or even meat for a hearty twist. For a vegan filling, substitute ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Italian
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ravioli
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ravioli, ravioli filling, ricotta spinach ravioli, vegetarian ravioli, homemade ravioli filling