Delicious Pairings To Serve With Cheese Ravioli

Cheese ravioli is a delicious dish that can be served with a variety of sauces and sides. The classic pairing for cheese ravioli is a tomato or marinara sauce, but it also goes well with a light butter sauce, pesto, alfredo, or even a hearty meat sauce.

For a light meal, a side salad is a perfect pairing, but if you're feeling more indulgent, you could try roasted broccolini or vegetarian meatballs.

And if you're making the ravioli from scratch, a simple filling of ricotta and parmesan can be elevated with the addition of mozzarella, fontina, or provolone.

What cheese to use in ravioli

The great thing about making ravioli is that you can use whatever cheese you like! However, some classic combinations include:

• Ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano
• Ricotta and Parmesan
• Ricotta, Fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan

You can also add an egg to your cheese mixture to help bind the filling together.

For a firmer filling, you can add shredded fresh mozzarella to a ricotta base. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some fresh basil, nutmeg, or lemon zest to your cheese mixture for a burst of extra flavour.

How to make the dough

Making the dough for cheese ravioli is a simple process, but it does require time and patience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the dough:

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (also known as '00' flour) or a blend of semolina and all-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Salt

Optional Ingredients:

• Water
• Black pepper

Instructions:

Start by mixing the flour and salt together on a clean work surface. You can do this by creating a mound with a diameter of about 10 to 12 inches. Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the eggs and, if using, the olive oil. Gently beat the eggs with a fork until smooth, and then slowly start incorporating the flour into the eggs. If you are using a food processor, you can add the flour, eggs, and olive oil and process the mixture for about 15 to 20 seconds.

If the dough is too wet and sticks to the surface, add a little flour. Conversely, if it is too dry, add a small amount of water. Once the dough starts to come together, form it into a ball and begin kneading. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes elastic and smooth. You will know the dough is ready when you press into it and it springs back.

Wrap the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the gluten to relax. If you are not using the dough immediately, cover and refrigerate it until needed. When ready to use, bring the dough to room temperature before rolling it out.

Rolling the Dough:

When you are ready to roll out the dough, cut it into 4 to 8 equal pieces, depending on the batch size. Flatten each piece into a rough rectangular shape and dust both sides with flour.

Using a pasta roller, start with the widest setting and run the dough through the roller 2 to 3 times, folding it in half each time. Dust the dough with flour as needed to prevent sticking. Continue to roll the dough, reducing the setting each time, until you reach the desired thickness. The dough should be paper-thin, about 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch thick.

Now you are ready to fill and shape your ravioli!

How to make the filling

The filling is the star of the show when it comes to cheese ravioli. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious and creamy cheese filling:

Ingredients:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A simple cheese filling can be made with just two types of cheese: ricotta and parmesan. However, if you want to elevate your filling, you can add more cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, pecorino romano, or provolone. You can also add some fresh herbs and spices like basil, nutmeg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.

Mixing the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the cheeses and any additional ingredients you've chosen. Mix them together until well combined. You can use a fork or a spatula to mix, but if you want a smoother filling, use a food processor. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or any other spices to suit your taste.

Adding an Egg:

To help bind the filling and give it a richer, creamier texture, you can add an egg to the mixture. Lightly beat the egg before stirring it into the cheese mixture until fully incorporated. This step is optional but can enhance the texture and flavour of your filling.

Refrigerating the Filling:

Once you're happy with the taste and consistency of your filling, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator until you're ready to fill your ravioli. This will help the filling firm up slightly and make it easier to work with.

Filling Tips:

• Make sure your cheese is finely grated or shredded to ensure a smooth and consistent filling.
• If you're using fresh herbs, finely chop them to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the filling.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and seasonings to create your own unique flavour combinations.
• If you want a firmer filling, you can add some shredded mozzarella to the mixture.

Now that you've mastered the art of making the filling, you're well on your way to becoming a cheese ravioli connoisseur! Remember, the filling is key to taking your ravioli to the next level, so take your time, experiment, and have fun with it!

How to assemble the ravioli

Now that you've made your ravioli filling and dough, it's time to assemble the ravioli. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Roll out the dough

Use a pasta machine or a rolling pin to roll out the dough into thin sheets. If using a pasta machine, start with the largest setting and gradually move to smaller settings until you reach the desired thickness. The dough should be thin enough so that you can almost see your fingers through it.

Step 2: Add the filling

Place teaspoon-sized dollops of filling on one half of the dough, spacing them about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. You can use a small cookie scoop or a piping bag to ensure equal amounts of filling in each raviolo.

Step 3: Fold and seal

Gently brush a little water on the edges of the dough or around the filling. This will help the dough stick to itself. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles and ensure a tight seal.

Step 4: Cut the ravioli

Use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or pasta wheel to cut out individual ravioli. Don't worry about making perfect shapes—the more rustic and homemade they look, the better!

Step 5: Transfer to a baking sheet

Place the assembled ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dusted with semolina flour or regular flour. Repeat the filling and cutting process with the remaining dough sheets.

Step 6: Refrigerate or freeze

If you don't plan to cook the ravioli right away, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 hours or freeze them for later use. To freeze, place the ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Step 7: Cook the ravioli

When ready to cook, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli in batches to avoid overcrowding, and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 2 to 5 minutes. The ravioli will float to the top when they're ready. Remove them with a slotted spoon and toss with your desired sauce.

Now you know how to assemble and cook your cheese ravioli! Enjoy your delicious homemade meal.

What sauces to serve with cheese ravioli

When it comes to cheese ravioli, there are endless possibilities for sauce pairings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Tomato-Based Sauces

The classic pairing for cheese ravioli is a hearty tomato or marinara sauce. This combination is a crowd-pleaser and for a good reason! The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the cheese filling, creating a satisfying and flavourful dish.

You can also elevate your tomato sauce by roasting the tomatoes first for a deeper, sweeter flavour. Or, try adding some spices and herbs like basil or oregano for an extra kick.

Creamy Sauces

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, a creamy sauce is the way to go. A simple butter sauce, such as a brown butter and sage combination, can be the perfect delicate complement to the cheese ravioli.

For a more complex creamy sauce, you can try a pesto-Alfredo sauce. The basil in the pesto adds a fresh flavour to the cream, and the Parmesan cheese gives it a sharp, salty edge.

Meat Sauces

Cheese ravioli can also stand up to a hearty meat sauce. A meaty Bolognese or a rich ragu can add a savoury depth to the dish, making it a satisfying and comforting meal.

Other Sauce Ideas

• Pesto: A bright and herbal pesto sauce can be a delicious change of pace.
• Vodka sauce: For a touch of spice and warmth, a vodka sauce can be a fun choice.
• Light butter sauce: A simple butter sauce can be the perfect way to let the ravioli filling shine.

No matter which sauce you choose, don't forget to finish your dish with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese!

Frequently asked questions