Nettle Ravioli

Nettle ravioli is a traditional dish of Italian cuisine, particularly renowned in the northern regions where nettles grow in abundance. Nettles, known for their nutritional properties and unique flavor, are used in the filling of these delicious ravioli. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients for the pasta:

• 300g of 00 soft wheat flour
• 3 large eggs
• A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling:

• 200g of fresh nettles (leaves only)
• 200g of ricotta
• 50g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Grated nutmeg, as needed
• Salt and pepper, as needed

For dressing:

• Melted butter
• Sage leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. For the pasta: place the flour in a mound on a work surface, add the eggs and salt in the center. Knead the ingredients until they form an elastic and smooth dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. For the filling: begin by boiling the nettles in boiling water for a few minutes. Drain, squeeze well to remove excess water and chop finely.
3. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the chopped nettles, Parmesan cheese, egg, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
4. Roll the pasta into thin sheets. Put small amounts of filling spaced over half of the sheet. Cover with the other half and press around the filling to seal the ravioli well. Cut the ravioli using a pastry wheel or a stamp.
5. Boil the ravioli in plenty of salted water for a few minutes; they should float to the surface.
6. While the ravioli are cooking, melt the butter in a pan and add the sage leaves.
7. Drain the ravioli and transfer them to the pan with butter and sage, mixing gently to dress.
8. Serve immediately, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

Curiosity

The choice of nettles is not random: in the past, when people lived in more modest conditions, nettles were collected from gardens or fields as a source of sustenance at no cost. The nettle ravioli recipe is a perfect example of how simple cuisine can be transformed into dishes of great value and flavor. Remember to wear gloves during the harvest and cleaning of the nettles to avoid irritation!