Imagine crafting a pasta dish so incredible, it transports you straight to the heart of Italy with every single bite. This Red Pepper Garlic and Herb Ravioli isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a passionate food lover looking to impress, this homemade ravioli promises to elevate your cooking game and create a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pasta dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour.
- Crack 3 large eggs into the well. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges of the well until the mixture is too stiff to mix with a fork.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Wrap the kneaded dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
- While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped roasted red peppers, 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- After the dough has rested, divide it into four equal portions. Take one portion and keep the others covered to prevent drying out. Roll out the dough using a pasta machine or a rolling pin until it is thin, about 1/16 inch thick.
- Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough, about 3 inches in diameter. Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each circle.
- Moisten the edges of the dough circle with a little water. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Make sure there are no air pockets inside the ravioli. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
- Repeat the rolling and filling process with the remaining dough and filling until all ravioli are made.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the ravioli to the boiling water in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the ravioli float to the surface and are tender.
- Using a slotted spoon, gently remove the cooked ravioli from the pot and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Serve the ravioli warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, you can drizzle with olive oil or serve with a light tomato sauce or a herb-infused olive oil for added flavor.
Tips
- Dough Consistency is Key: When kneading your pasta dough, aim for a smooth, elastic texture. If it feels too sticky, add flour gradually; if too dry, sprinkle a little water.
- Rest Your Dough: Never skip the 30-minute resting period. This allows gluten to relax, making your dough easier to roll and preventing tough pasta.
- Prevent Ravioli Sticking: Dust your work surface and ravioli with flour to prevent them from sticking together before cooking.
- Seal Carefully: When forming ravioli, ensure edges are completely sealed to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Cook in Batches: Don't overcrowd your pot. Cook ravioli in small batches to maintain water temperature and prevent them from sticking together.
- Test for Doneness: Ravioli are ready when they float to the surface, typically 3-4 minutes. Taste one to ensure perfect texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Fresh Parmesan and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can elevate your dish from good to extraordinary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 165mg
