Homemade ravioli - filled with mushrooms

Homemade ravioli filled with mushrooms - An authentic delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Homemade ravioli are a true culinary delight, offering a perfect combination of textures and flavors. These stuffed pasta are much more delicious than store-bought ones and are a fantastic way to showcase your cooking skills. This simple recipe will allow you to create ravioli with a savory mushroom filling, but don’t limit yourself to this option - fillings can be customized to your preferences.

A Brief History

Ravioli are a type of stuffed pasta that has a long-standing tradition in world cuisine. Over time, each culture has added a unique touch to the dish, from simple cheese fillings to elaborate combinations with meat or vegetables. Cooking homemade ravioli will connect you with these traditions, bringing joy in every bite.

Necessary Ingredients

- 3 fresh eggs - fresh eggs are essential for a tasty and elastic dough
- 300 g flour - preferably type 00 flour, which is fine and ideal for pasta
- 500 g mushrooms - you can use forest mushrooms or any other preferred types
- A handful of fresh parsley - for added flavor and freshness
- 2 garlic cloves - for an intense taste
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Olive oil - for frying the mushrooms

Step by Step for Homemade Ravioli

1. Preparing the filling: Start by washing the mushrooms and cutting them into small pieces. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and add olive oil. Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and juicy. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
Practical tips: Make sure the mushrooms are well-dried before frying them, otherwise they will release too much water.

2. Seasoning the filling: After the mushrooms are sautéed, add the finely chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well and let the filling cool. Finally, add the finely chopped parsley for a fresh note.

3. Preparing the dough: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Gradually add the flour and start kneading. When the dough becomes less sticky, continue kneading on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be firm and elastic.
Variations: If you want a more flavorful dough, you can add a pinch of salt while kneading or even a splash of olive oil.

4. Rolling out the ravioli sheets: Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Using a rolling pin or a pasta machine, roll each piece of dough into very thin sheets. If using a pasta machine, start with the thickest setting and gradually move to thinner settings.

5. Forming the ravioli: Place small mounds of mushroom filling about 2-3 cm apart on one sheet of dough. Cover with another sheet of dough and gently press around the filling to remove air and seal the two sheets.
Tricks: Use a fork to seal the edges of the ravioli, giving a decorative look and ensuring that the filling won’t leak during boiling.

6. Cutting the ravioli: Use a serrated knife or a pasta cutter to cut the ravioli into square or round shapes, depending on your preference.

7. Boiling the ravioli: Bring water to a boil in a large pot and add a little salt. When the water is boiling, add the ravioli and boil for 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface. Don’t leave them too long, or they will fall apart.

8. Serving: Ravioli can be served either as a main dish or as a side. You can accompany them with a white sauce, such as Alfredo sauce, or with a simple tomato sauce. They are also delicious with a little olive oil and grated parmesan on top.
Personal suggestion: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a flavor contrast that will elevate the dish to another level.

Freezing Ravioli

If you don’t serve them immediately, you can freeze the ravioli. Place them on a tray in the freezer until they harden, then transfer them to an airtight container. This way, you can have them on hand whenever you crave fresh pasta.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of homemade ravioli contains approximately 400 calories, depending on the added ingredients. Mushrooms are an excellent source of plant-based protein, and parsley provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can whole wheat flour be used? Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of water or eggs. The dough will have a different texture, but it is a healthy option.
- What fillings can I use instead of mushrooms? You can try ricotta cheese and spinach, ground meat, or grilled vegetables.
- Can ravioli be cooked in another way? Yes, you can bake them with sauce or fry them for a crispy texture.

Homemade ravioli filled with mushrooms is a recipe that will bring you joy and culinary satisfaction. The experience of preparing them is just as enjoyable as their final taste. So gather your friends or family, put on your apron, and enjoy this culinary adventure!