Ravioli is a type of pasta that has been around for centuries, dating back to the 14th century in Italy. It’s made by filling two thin layers of dough with fillings, from cheese and vegetables to meat and fish. There are so many types of ravioli out there that it can be hard to keep track.
Each variation offers something unique, from classic Italian recipes like ricotta and spinach ravioli to more inventive flavors like pumpkin or lobster ravioli. To help you explore the world of ravioli varieties, here are some tips on making your homemade version at home. Start by making your fresh pasta dough – all you need is flour, eggs and salt. Once the dough is ready, roll it out into thin sheets before cutting them into small squares or circles using a cookie cutter or knife.
Then comes the fun part – adding whatever filling you desire. Cheese-based fillings work best for this dish as they are shaped better than other ingredients, such as vegetables or meats when cooked. Finally, seal each piece by pressing down along the edges with a fork before boiling them in salted water until they float on top, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This manual process can be labor intensive and you can use Ravioli Machine, Pasta Machine or similar tools that will speed up the process.
Creative Ways to Serve Up Delicious Raviolis
One of the most popular and delicious ways to serve ravioli is with a creamy sauce. Simply melt butter in a pan and add some garlic, onion and herbs to make this. Add cream or milk once the vegetables are softened and let it simmer until it thickens.
Then pour the sauce over cooked ravioli and top with grated cheese for an extra cheesy flavor. Another great way to serve ravioli is with a tomato-based sauce. Start by sautéing garlic, onion, and herbs in olive oil until fragrant.
Then add canned tomatoes and let it simmer for about 10 minutes before adding cooked ravioli to the pan. Top with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. Try serving your ravioli with a simple olive oil-based sauce for a lighter option.
Heat some olive oil in a pan and add garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, capers, olives and parsley. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes before pouring over the cooked ravioli. Finally, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.
How to Store Freshly Made Raviolis for Maximum Flavor and Freshness
The best way to store freshly made ravioli for maximum flavor and freshness is to place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Ensure the container or bag is completely sealed so no air can enter. If you are using a container, line it with a damp paper towel before adding the ravioli.
This will help keep them from sticking together. Place the ravioli in a single layer and ensure they are not touching each other. If you need to stack them, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Once the ravioli are stored, place the container or bag in the refrigerator and use it within two days for optimal flavor and freshness.