Craving a comforting pasta dish that transports you straight to Italy? This homemade Ravioli with Tomato Sauce is just the answer. Imagine tender, stuffed pasta enveloped in a luscious, tangy tomato sauce that perfectly balances the flavors. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, making it ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner night.
What’s wonderful about this recipe is its simplicity and the way it allows you to play with flavors. You can fill the ravioli with your choice of cheese, spinach, or even meat. And don’t worry if you’ve never made pasta from scratch—this recipe will guide you through each step to ensure your homemade ravioli turns out beautifully.
Creating the Perfect Ravioli
Homemade ravioli is a classic Italian dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. The key lies in making the dough from scratch, allowing for a fresh and authentic experience. This process begins by combining flour and eggs, creating a smooth dough that forms the base of the ravioli.
The dough should be kneaded until it reaches a silky consistency, then left to rest. This resting period is essential, as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out later. The anticipation builds as you prepare to shape your ravioli into delightful parcels.
Delicious Filling Options
The filling for ravioli can truly elevate the dish. A mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh herbs like basil, and a touch of grated Parmesan creates a rich and savory center. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as sautéed spinach or even ground meats, depending on your taste preferences.
Once the filling is prepared, the fun begins! Spoon small amounts onto the rolled-out pasta sheets, carefully spacing them to ensure ample room for sealing. The excitement of crafting each ravioli adds a personal touch to your cooking experience.
Crafting the Tomato Sauce
A well-made tomato sauce is essential for complementing the ravioli. Start by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil to create a fragrant base. Adding crushed tomatoes along with a sprinkle of sugar balances the acidity, creating a robust sauce. Allow it to simmer, infusing the flavors and thickening the sauce for a perfect coating.
As the sauce simmers, the aroma fills your kitchen, hinting at the delicious meal that awaits. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors further.
Cooking the Ravioli
Once your ravioli are assembled and the sauce is bubbling away, it’s time to cook the pasta. Boiling the ravioli in salted water allows them to cook evenly and float to the surface, indicating they’re ready to be served. This process is quick, usually taking around four to five minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, gently remove the ravioli from the water, allowing any excess water to drain before introducing them to the sauce. This step is crucial for ensuring that each piece is well-coated and flavorful.
Serving and Presentation
Plating your homemade ravioli is an art in itself. Toss the cooked pasta with the vibrant tomato sauce, making sure each piece is generously coated. To finish, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch, while fresh basil leaves provide a pop of color and freshness.
As you present your dish, the rustic wooden table setting adds warmth, making the meal inviting and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Each bite of this ravioli with tomato sauce offers a taste of tradition and comfort, a delightful experience for any pasta lover.
Enjoying the Experience
Cooking and sharing homemade ravioli is more than just a meal; it’s an experience to cherish. Whether enjoyed during a family gathering or an intimate dinner, the flavors and textures become part of the memories created at the table. Don’t hesitate to pair this dish with a glass of wine, enhancing the overall dining experience.
With each forkful, the rich flavors of the ravioli and sauce intertwine, leaving a lasting impression. This dish celebrates the joys of home cooking, inviting everyone to savor the love and effort put into every step of the process.
Delicious Homemade Ravioli with Tomato Sauce
This recipe features delicate ravioli filled with creamy ricotta and herbs, served with a robust tomato sauce that has a hint of garlic and fresh basil. The pairing creates a delightful harmony of taste, making each bite an indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt to taste
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Pasta Dough: On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Add eggs and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix the flour into the eggs to form a dough. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Wrap in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into quarters. Roll out each quarter as thinly as possible using a pasta machine or rolling pin.
- Form the Ravioli: Place small spoonfuls of filling on one sheet of pasta, leaving space between each. Moisten the edges with water, then place another sheet of pasta on top. Press down around the filling to seal. Cut into squares.
- Cook the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop in the ravioli and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve: Toss the cooked ravioli in the tomato sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
