Frederic Melton
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a popular dish, especially for kids, and can be a healthy option. The ravioli is often filled with ricotta, spinach, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and a touch of nutmeg, and served with a simple butter sauce. This dish provides a good balance of macronutrients, with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of protein, providing 18% of the Daily Value. Additionally, the use of fresh spinach and the option to make the pasta by hand or with a food processor allow for a nutritious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 243 per serving |
| Macronutrient breakdown | 53% carbs, 30% fat, and 17% protein |
| Protein | 18% of Daily Value |
| Sodium | Under 500mg of salt |
| Sugar | Small amount of cane sugar or maple syrup |
| Suitable for kids | Yes |
| Freezable | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a good source of protein
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a tasty and healthy meal option. It is a good source of protein, which is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair body tissues. The protein content in spinach and cheese ravioli comes from the combination of cheese and pasta.
Cheese, a dairy product, is a well-known source of protein. The specific type of cheese used in ravioli can vary, with options like ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, Romano, and parmesan cheese being popular choices. Each of these cheeses contributes to the overall protein content of the dish.
Spinach, the star ingredient in this ravioli, also adds to its protein profile. While it is not as high in protein as the cheese component, spinach is a nutrient-dense food that provides a good amount of plant-based protein.
The pasta dough used to make the ravioli also contributes to the dish's protein content. Pasta is typically made from flour and eggs, both of which contain protein. When combined with the cheese and spinach filling, the protein content of the dish becomes more substantial.
Overall, spinach and cheese ravioli can be considered a good source of protein. It offers a complete protein profile when the different ingredients are combined. This makes it a nutritious and satisfying meal option, providing the body with the essential amino acids needed for various physiological functions.
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It's a great way to get kids to eat spinach
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a great way to get kids to eat spinach. While kids normally won't touch spinach, they seem to love it when it's in homemade ravioli. This may be because making ravioli can be fun for kids, almost like playing with their food. Making ravioli can be a great indoor activity for the whole family, especially on rainy days.
To make spinach and cheese ravioli, you can start by making the pasta dough. Simply add flour to a food processor, followed by an egg and a drizzle of olive oil, and let the food processor do its job. While the dough is resting, you can make the spinach and cheese filling. Cook some fresh spinach for a minute, squeeze out the juice, and then add an egg, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella.
Once the ravioli is made, it can be served as a primo (first dish/appetizer) or as a secondo (main dish). A simple sauce to serve with the ravioli can be made with butter and parmesan cheese, or you can use a basic olive oil, garlic, and chilli sauce. If you're making the ravioli with kids, you can also add a small amount of cane sugar or maple syrup to the sauce.
If you make a large batch of ravioli, you can freeze the uncooked ravioli in a single row in a sealable plastic bag. Then, on busy weeknights, you can simply boil the frozen ravioli and make a quick sauce for a healthy and delicious meal for your kids in less than 15 minutes.
Spinach and cheese ravioli is not only a fun and delicious way to get kids to eat spinach, but it also provides a balanced and nutrient-dense meal. The ravioli is filled with fresh baby spinach, which is a good source of vitamins, and creamy ricotta cheese, which provides protein and calcium.
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It's a balanced, nutrient-dense meal for toddlers and kids
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a great way to provide a balanced, nutrient-dense meal for toddlers and kids. It is a convenient, high-quality meal option that can be delivered right to your doorstep. The ravioli is stuffed with fresh baby spinach, providing essential vitamins and minerals, and creamy ricotta cheese, which is a good source of protein and calcium. The combination of spinach and cheese creates a flavoursome and creamy dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
The ravioli can be served with a hidden veggie tomato sauce, ensuring your toddler or kid gets their daily dose of vegetables without even realising it! This dish is also a fun way to get your little ones involved in the kitchen, as they can help make the ravioli and might even be more inclined to eat their greens.
The macronutrient breakdown of a spinach and ricotta ravioli meal is typically around 53% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 17% protein. This provides a well-rounded nutritional profile for growing toddlers and kids. The dish is also vegetarian and can be made vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, accommodating various dietary restrictions.
Additionally, the sodium content is carefully considered in pre-made options, ensuring they are suitable for children. Spinach and cheese ravioli is a versatile dish that can be served as a primo (first dish/appetizer) or secondo (main dish). It can be paired with a simple butter sauce, extra cheese, or a tomato-based sauce, depending on your child's preference.
The convenience of this meal option, combined with its nutritional benefits, makes spinach and cheese ravioli a healthy and tasty choice for toddlers and kids.
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It's a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sauces
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sauces. While it is a tasty dish, it is important to note that eating spinach with dairy products can cause a slightly increased risk of kidney stones as something in the spinach binds to the calcium, preventing its absorption into the body. However, this risk is minimal unless you are consuming spinach and dairy products all day. Thus, it is safe to consume spinach and cheese ravioli in moderation.
One option for a sauce is a simple olive oil and parmesan cheese drizzle, which is a typical way to serve stuffed pasta in Sicily. You can also add in some sage, which balances the creaminess of the cheese, or a squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness of the sauce. Alternatively, browned butter is a good option for any kind of stuffed pasta as it adds depth of flavour without overwhelming the flavour of the stuffing.
Another option is a creamy sauce, such as an alfredo-style sauce, which can be mixed with spinach and cheese ravioli for a luscious, grown-up version of the classic dish. To make the sauce, you can start by adding butter, then sprinkle in some flour and cook for a minute. Next, add in the garlic, milk, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens. Finally, wilt some spinach and add it to the sauce, along with some parmesan cheese. You can also add in some red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
If you want to add more vegetables to your dish, you can try an Indian fusion recipe by using spinach as the sauce. You can look up saag paneer and simply throw in the ravioli instead of the paneer. You can also add in some cooked asparagus, artichoke hearts, or sundried tomatoes to your creamy sauce for extra flavour.
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It's a convenient and healthy option for parents
Spinach and cheese ravioli is a convenient and healthy option for parents. It is a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables without any fuss. Spinach and cheese ravioli is a balanced and nutrient-dense meal that can be served as a primo (first dish/appetizer) or a secondo (main dish). It is also a good source of protein, providing 18% of the Daily Value.
Preparing spinach and cheese ravioli can be a fun family activity. With a pasta maker or food processor, making the pasta dough is a breeze. And the ravioli can be filled with a variety of cheeses, such as ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella, along with fresh spinach. The ravioli can be frozen and then boiled for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, making it a convenient option for busy parents.
Little Spoon, a kids' meal delivery service, offers spinach and cheese ravioli as a healthy and convenient option for parents. Their ravioli is made with fresh, organic ingredients and provides balanced nutrition for toddlers and kids up to age 7. With no artificial ingredients and hidden veggies, parents can feel good about serving this meal to their children.
Spinach and cheese ravioli is also a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sauces. A simple butter and cheese sauce is a classic option, but tomato sauce, olive oil and garlic sauce, or even a spicy chilli sauce can also be used. For a healthier twist, reduced-fat mozzarella can be used in place of regular mozzarella.
Overall, spinach and cheese ravioli is a convenient and healthy option for parents who want to provide their children with nutritious and delicious meals. It is a fun and easy dish to prepare at home, and it can also be purchased from meal delivery services like Little Spoon. With its balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, spinach and cheese ravioli is a great choice for a quick and wholesome family meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Spinach and cheese ravioli can be a good source of protein and is healthy in moderation. It is a good way to get children to eat vegetables and spinach.
Spinach and cheese ravioli is made of pasta dough, filled with spinach, ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and sometimes mozzarella.
One serving of spinach and cheese ravioli contains 243 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 53% carbs, 30% fat, and 17% protein.
To make spinach and cheese ravioli healthier, you can swap out the mozzarella for a reduced-fat option. You can also add more vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach or tomatoes.
