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Heart-Shaped Ravioli

17/11/2023

Heart-shaped ravioli are a romantic and cute variation of the classic raviolo. You can stuff them with your preferred filling, whether it be meat, cheese, or vegetables. Here I propose a version with a ricotta and spinach filling, which is a classic of Italian cuisine. Remember that precision in forming the heart-shaped ravioli is important for a visually pleasing result.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of “00” flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 200 g of ricotta cheese
  • 100 g of spinach (already cooked and squeezed dry)
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Nutmeg to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg to seal the edges of the ravioli

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the egg pasta. Place the flour in a mound on a work surface, break the eggs into the center, and start kneading until you get a smooth and elastic dough. Let it rest covered for about 30 minutes.
  2. In the meantime, prepare the filling. Mix the ricotta with the previously cooked and squeezed spinach. Add the Parmesan, a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.
  3. Roll out the dough into thin sheets (preferably with the help of a pasta machine) and cut out hearts with a heart-shaped cookie cutter or the tip of a knife.
  4. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it on the edges of the pasta hearts. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of one heart, cover it with another heart-shaped piece of pasta, and press the edges well to seal the ravioli. Make sure the air has been expelled to prevent them from opening during cooking.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes (they should float to the surface and become transparent).
  6. Drain with a slotted spoon and season as you like, for example with a simple sauce of butter and sage or with a tomato and basil sauce.

Curiosity

Heart-shaped ravioli are perfect for a special dinner, like Valentine’s Day or an anniversary. They are a small demonstration of love and attention towards the person receiving them. In Italy, stuffed pasta is a dish that expresses the care and creativity of home cooking, and customizing it with different shapes is a way to make it even more unique and personal.