To begin, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. You will need:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup of fresh ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to start making the ravioli. Begin by creating the pasta dough. On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs using a fork or your fingers. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding a little flour if it feels sticky. Wrap it with cling film and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is resting, let’s prepare the ricotta filling. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. Set the filling aside for now.
Once the dough has rested, it’s time to roll it out. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a thin sheet, making sure it is evenly rolled. If you have a pasta machine, you can use it to achieve a consistent thickness. However, if you don’t have one, there’s no need to fret – a rolling pin will work just fine.
Once you have your pasta sheet rolled out, it’s time to form the ravioli. Spoon small amounts of the ricotta filling onto the pasta sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Leave enough space around each dollop to allow for sealing the ravioli. Gently place another sheet of pasta on top, pressing down around the filling to remove any air pockets. Use a sharp knife or a ravioli cutter to cut out individual ravioli squares.
To seal the ravioli, press the edges firmly with your fingers or use a fork to create a decorative pattern. This will ensure that the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking. Repeat the process until all the pasta and filling are used.
Now that the ravioli are ready, it’s time to cook them. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; cook them in batches if needed. Remove the cooked ravioli from the water using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate.
Finally, it’s time to serve your homemade ricotta ravioli. You can choose to top them with your favorite sauce, such as a classic tomato sauce or a simple brown butter and sage sauce. Garnish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve them hot and enjoy the delightful combination of tender pasta and creamy ricotta.
Now that you know how to make ravioli with ricotta, you can confidently impress your family and friends with this Italian delicacy. Experiment with different fillings and sauces to create a variety of flavors. With a little practice, you’ll be crafting restaurant-quality ravioli in no time. Buon appetito!