Craving a comforting yet elegant meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than these homemade cheese and spinach ravioli! This recipe delivers a burst of fresh spinach and creamy cheese encased in delicate pasta, creating a delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget expensive restaurant meals – this easy recipe lets you enjoy homemade pasta magic from the comfort of your own kitchen. Prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sauce (optional):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
Making the Pasta Dough:
- On a clean work surface, create a mound with the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add the olive oil and salt.
- Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté the spinach in a pan until wilted. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the wilted spinach.
Assembling the Ravioli:
- Roll out the pasta dough using a pasta machine or rolling pin to your desired thickness.
- Using a ravioli cutter or a knife, cut out squares or circles from the pasta sheets.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each pasta square.
- Fold the pasta over to create a half-moon shape, pressing firmly around the filling to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Cooking the Ravioli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
Making the Sauce (optional):
- While the ravioli is cooking, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked ravioli in the sauce and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of ricotta and mascarpone cheese.
- Add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Experiment with different sauces, such as pesto, brown butter, or a simple lemon butter sauce.
- Freeze uncooked ravioli for later use – place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the serving size and specific ingredients used. For a more accurate nutritional analysis, use an online nutritional calculator. Generally, this recipe provides a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins from the spinach and cheese.
This homemade cheese and spinach ravioli recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process of creating this healthy meal and savor every bite! It's a truly rewarding culinary experience, perfect for showcasing your homemade cooking skills. This recipe is guaranteed to be among your best recipes.