Sure, here’s a basic recipe for homemade ravioli:
Ingredients:
For the pasta dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped herbs like basil or parsley
For serving:
- Your favorite pasta sauce
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the pasta dough:
- On a clean surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and add salt.
- Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs.
- Mix until well combined. Set aside.
- Roll out the pasta dough:
- Divide the rested dough into smaller portions.
- Working with one portion at a time, roll it out into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine. Aim for a thickness of about 1/16 to 1/8 inch.
- Assemble the ravioli:
- Place small spoonfuls of the filling on one half of the rolled-out dough, leaving space between each spoonful.
- Brush a little water around each mound of filling to help seal the ravioli.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing down gently around each mound to seal the edges.
- Use a knife or a ravioli cutter to cut the individual ravioli squares. Press down the edges firmly to seal them completely.
- Cook the ravioli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water, in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the ravioli for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
- Serve:
- Drain the cooked ravioli and transfer them to serving plates.
- Serve with your favorite pasta sauce, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Enjoy your homemade ravioli!
