Ravioli Recipe

Ravioli, the delightful Italian pasta pockets filled with savory goodness, are a culinary delight that many enjoy but few attempt to make at home. However, with a bit of patience and the right recipe, crafting homemade ravioli can be a rewarding experience that elevates your cooking repertoire. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating delicious ravioli from scratch.

#### Ingredients:

– **Pasta Dough:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Pinch of salt

– **Filling:**
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

#### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Pasta Dough:**
– On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
– Crack the eggs into the well, add olive oil and salt.
– Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms.
– Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

**2. Make the Filling:**
– In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg yolk, parsley, salt, and pepper.
– Mix until well combined and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

**3. Roll Out the Dough:**
– Divide the rested dough into smaller portions.
– Flatten each portion and roll out using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, until thin but not transparent. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.

**4. Form and Fill the Ravioli:**
– Place small spoonfuls of filling (about 1 teaspoon) onto one sheet of rolled-out dough, leaving space between each mound.
– Brush around the filling with water to help seal the ravioli.
– Carefully place another sheet of dough on top.
– Press around each mound of filling to seal and remove any air pockets.

**5. Cut and Seal the Ravioli:**
– Use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut between the mounds of filling, creating individual ravioli.
– Press the edges firmly to seal.

**6. Cook the Ravioli:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
– Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the ravioli float to the top and are cooked through.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
– Remove the cooked ravioli with a slotted spoon, draining well.
– Serve immediately with your favorite sauce—be it a classic marinara, sage butter, or a creamy Alfredo sauce.
– Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

#### Tips for Success:
– **Consistency:** Ensure the pasta dough is rolled out evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
– **Sealing:** Press firmly around the filling to prevent the ravioli from bursting during cooking.
– **Variations:** Experiment with different fillings such as spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even butternut squash for a seasonal twist.

Homemade ravioli offers a culinary experience that’s both satisfying to make and delightful to eat. With this recipe, you can impress family and friends with your skills in creating these Italian delicacies from scratch. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!