Ravioli stuffed with ricotta served with peas

Ricotta and Green Pea Filled Ravioli - A Delicious Family Meal

At first glance, making ravioli may seem like a challenge, but we promise the result will be worth every moment spent in the kitchen. This pasta dish, filled with a creamy combination of ricotta and seasoned with fresh green peas, is perfect for a family meal. Get ready to explore a simple yet flavorful ravioli recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the ravioli dough:
- 300 g flour
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 eggs
- salt, to taste

For the filling:
- 250 g ricotta (you can use creamy cottage cheese if you prefer)
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

For the pea sauce:
- 400 g green peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 small onion
- 1 tablespoon oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- a generous handful of fresh spinach
- 3-4 cherry tomatoes
- chopped parsley, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a more intense flavor)

A Brief History of Ravioli

Ravioli are a dish that has been part of the culinary tradition of many cultures, with deep roots in gastronomic history. These stuffed pastas are often associated with moments of conviviality, being made in families and served at festive meals. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or cheeses, ravioli have an amazing ability to bring people together around the table.

Making the Ravioli

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
1. In a large bowl, sift the flour to avoid lumps. Make a well in the center of the flour.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.
3. Pour the beaten eggs into the well in the flour. Add the olive oil and water.
4. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a firm, non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little water.

Step 2: Resting the Dough
Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes, covered with a damp towel or wrapped in plastic wrap. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling
1. In a bowl, place the ricotta and mash it with a fork.
2. Add salt and ginger powder, mixing well until smooth. This creamy filling will give the ravioli a refined taste and pleasant texture.

Step 4: Shaping the Ravioli
1. Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a well-floured surface until it reaches a thickness of 2-3 mm.
2. Cut the dough into equal squares, about 5 cm. Place a teaspoon of filling on each square.
3. Fold the dough to form a triangle, joining the opposite corners. Press the edges well to seal the filling, ensuring it won’t leak during boiling.
4. Bring the two side corners of the triangle together and join them to form a spiral. This will give you uniquely shaped and attractive ravioli.

Step 5: Boiling the Ravioli
1. In a large pot, bring 3 liters of water to a boil, adding salt to taste.
2. When the water is boiling, add the ravioli and let them cook until they float to the surface. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and drain well.

Preparing the Pea Sauce

Step 6: Sautéing the Peas
1. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent.
2. Add the green peas and season with salt, pepper, and a little water if necessary. Let them cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Once the peas are cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and washed spinach. Mix well until the spinach wilts.

Finalizing the Dish

Step 7: Assembling
1. Add the boiled ravioli to the skillet with the peas and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
2. Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color.
3. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving

The ravioli are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm, sprinkled with a little smoked paprika if you desire a more intense flavor, alongside a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. This recipe is perfect for sharing with loved ones at a festive meal or simply on a quiet evening at home.

Helpful Tips

- Filling Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, ground meat, or flavorful cheeses to diversify the recipe.
- Storing Ravioli: Ravioli can be frozen before boiling. Place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to a sealed bag. When you want to use them, there’s no need to thaw; just boil them directly.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This meal is packed with protein from the ricotta cheese, while the peas provide a good source of fiber and vitamins. A serving has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour to make a healthier dough, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.

2. What other sauces can I serve with ravioli?
Ravioli pair very well with tomato sauces, butter and sage sauces, or even white sauces.

3. How can I make the ravioli spicier?
Add chili peppers or chili flakes to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.

4. Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese, feta cheese, or mozzarella are all excellent options for the filling.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started! Prepare this ricotta-filled ravioli recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and at the table. Bon appétit!