Eggplant Ravioli Recipe: A Delightful First Course
Discover the magic of Italian cuisine with this elegant dish of eggplant ravioli. Perfect as a first course, these ravioli combine the delicate flavor of eggplant with the creamy richness of ricotta. The result is a meal that’s both satisfying and light, sure to impress family and friends. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions, nutritional insights, and the list of ingredients necessary to craft this masterpiece.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 250g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Fine salt | 5g |
| Re-milled durum wheat semolina | As needed |
| Ricotta cheese | 300g |
| Eggplants | 200g |
| Grana Padano DOP cheese | 20g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for filling and sauce) | 2 tbsp |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Cherry tomatoes | 150g |
| Rosemary | To taste |
Nutritional Information Per Raviolo
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 42 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.5g |
| Fats | 1.2g |
| Fiber | 0.7g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Filling
- Wash the eggplant thoroughly and remove the stem. Dice it into small cubes.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add one clove of garlic, either whole or chopped, depending on your preference.
- Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add the diced eggplants. Cook until the eggplants soften and develop a golden color. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked eggplants, ricotta cheese, grated Grana Padano, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until smooth and uniform.
- Transfer the filling mixture into a piping bag and refrigerate to firm up slightly.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
- Heat another tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add a clove of garlic and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, halved or whole, and a sprig of rosemary. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, creating a light and aromatic sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Making the Ravioli Dough
- On a clean work surface, create a mound with the all-purpose flour and make a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and add the fine salt and olive oil.
- Gently whisk the eggs with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges of the well.
- Once the mixture forms a rough dough, begin kneading with your hands. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Forming the Ravioli
- Dust the work surface with semolina. Divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling.
- Roll each portion into a thin sheet, approximately 1mm thick, using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
- Cut the dough into strips about 8cm wide.
- Pipe small mounds of the ricotta-eggplant filling onto one strip of dough, spacing them 4–5cm apart.
- Lay a second strip of dough over the first, carefully pressing around each mound of filling to seal and remove any air pockets.
- Use a round cookie cutter (6cm diameter) or a ravioli stamp to cut out individual ravioli. Re-seal edges if necessary.
Step 5: Cooking the Ravioli
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Gently lower the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the ravioli to a serving plate.
Step 6: Assembling and Serving
- Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the cooked ravioli.
- Garnish with a few rosemary sprigs for an aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade eggplant ravioli.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the dough is kneaded well to avoid cracks during rolling and cooking.
- Always use fresh ingredients, particularly for the ricotta and eggplants, to enhance the flavor profile.
- If preferred, the sauce can be pureed for a smoother texture.
This recipe highlights the versatility and elegance of homemade ravioli, a labor of love that brings the heart of Italian tradition to your table. For more delicious recipes, visit Love With Recipes!
