Gathering the Ingredients
First things first, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients on hand:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 egg yolk (for sealing the ravioli)
Making the Pasta Dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the eggs and water.
2. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
1. In another bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, black pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
2. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed. It’s important to have a flavorful filling to complement the pasta.
Rolling Out the Dough
1. Divide the rested dough into two equal portions. Take one portion and cover the other to prevent drying.
2. Flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine. Aim for a thickness of approximately 1/16 inch.
3. Repeat the process with the second portion of dough.
Assembling the Ravioli
1. Place one sheet of rolled dough onto a lightly floured surface. Space small spoonfuls of the ricotta filling evenly across the dough, leaving enough space between each dollop.
2. Gently brush a beaten egg yolk around each dab of filling. This will serve as the sealing agent.
3. Carefully place the second sheet of dough on top of the first one. Press around each filling mound to remove any trapped air and seal the edges.
4. Use a ravioli cutter or a knife to cut out individual ravioli, ensuring they are properly sealed.
Cooking and Serving
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top.
2. Remove the cooked ravioli with a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drain.
3. Serve the ricotta-stuffed ravioli with your favorite pasta sauce. A simple tomato sauce or a sage butter sauce works wonderfully with these delicate delights.
Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of making ricotta-stuffed ravioli. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor every bite of these homemade culinary treasures.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so feel free to experiment with different fillings and sauces to create your own signature ravioli dishes. Buon appetito!