Meat ravioli with sauce

Meat and Sauce Ravioli – A Delicacy Cooked with Love

I present to you a recipe for meat and sauce ravioli that blends tradition with flavor and simplicity. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that will take you on a journey of aromas and textures. It’s perfect for a special dinner or to impress your guests. Let’s begin our gastronomic journey!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 fresh eggs
- Flour (approximately 400g, as needed)

For the filling:
- 400g pork (choose a moderately fatty cut for juiciness)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 50ml soy sauce
- 50ml white wine (you can also use red wine, depending on your preference)
- Spices: rosemary, pepper, sage, thyme (along with a pinch of salt)

For the sauce:
- 400ml tomato puree (freshly squeezed or quality canned)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for an extra kick)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- Spices: salt, pepper, thyme, sage, basil, rosemary (to taste)
- Olive oil for cooking
- 100g butter (to add a creamy touch at the end)

Preparing the Dough

1. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with a fork. Gradually add the flour, mixing constantly until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough. You may need to adjust the amount of flour depending on the humidity in the air. The dough should be easy to handle but not sticky.

2. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

Marinating and Preparing the Filling

3. Marinating the meat: Cut the pork into small cubes. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, wine, chopped garlic, and spices. Add the meat cubes to the marinade and mix well. Let them chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour for the flavors to meld.

4. Cooking the meat: In a non-stick skillet, add a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Remove the meat from the marinade and cook it in the skillet, adding the marinade as well. Cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked and juicy, about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, allow the mixture to cool.

Forming the Ravioli

5. Rolling out the dough: On a floured surface, divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part into a thin sheet, about 2mm thick. Be careful not to let it stick, adding flour as needed.

6. Forming the ravioli: Cut the dough into strips 3 cm wide. On one strip, lightly brush one side with water using a brush or your finger. Place small mounds of meat filling on the wet side. Cover with another strip of dough and press well around each mound to seal the ravioli. Use a crinkled pastry cutter to cut the ravioli, or a knife if you don’t have one.

Preparing the Sauce

7. Cooking the sauce: In a skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the chopped garlic and spices (except for salt and pepper) and sauté for a few minutes. Then add the tomato puree and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Ravioli

8. Boiling the ravioli: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Carefully add the ravioli, cooking them for 4-5 minutes until they float to the surface.

9. Finishing the dish: In a separate skillet, melt the butter and add the cooked ravioli, gently tossing them to coat with the melted butter. This step will add a wonderful flavor and creamy texture.

Serving

10. Plating: On warm plates, arrange the ravioli and pour the tomato sauce over them. You can also add some fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These meat ravioli pair perfectly with a glass of red or white wine, depending on your preference. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Possible Variations

- Vegan: Substitute the pork with chopped mushrooms or marinated tofu.
- Alternative filling: You can use chicken or beef, adding fresh herbs to change the flavor profile.
- Sauce variation: Instead of tomato sauce, you could try a creamy white sauce or a pesto sauce.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This meat ravioli recipe contains approximately 450-500 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. The ravioli are a good source of protein from the meat, while the tomato sauce provides antioxidants and vitamins. Choose fresh, quality ingredients to maximize the nutritional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the ravioli? Yes, you can freeze uncooked ravioli. Make sure they are well-sealed to avoid ice crystals.
2. Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.
3. How long can I keep the ravioli in the fridge? Cooked ravioli can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

In the end, cooking these meat ravioli with sauce is not just a culinary activity, but an opportunity to create memories. Whether you prepare them for yourself or for loved ones, each bite will bring joy and satisfaction. So, blend tradition with innovation and let your imagination soar in the kitchen! Bon appétit!