Caprese Ravioli Recipe
Category: First Course
Servings: 4
Caprese Ravioli is a classic Italian dish inspired by the rich flavors of the famous Caprese salad, combining fresh mozzarella, ricotta, and fragrant basil. These delicate ravioli are filled with creamy, mouthwatering cheese and are served with a fresh, flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a homemade Italian masterpiece.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (all-purpose flour) | 250g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Tomato Concentrate | 30g |
| Semolina Flour | to taste |
| Buffalo Mozzarella | 360g |
| Buffalo Ricotta | 150g |
| Fresh Basil | to taste |
| Table Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Grana Padano Cheese (DOP) | 35g |
| Cherry Tomatoes (Datterini) | 300g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 40g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Basil (for garnish) | to taste |
| Salt (for boiling water) | to taste |
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ravioli Dough
Start by preparing the fresh pasta dough. On a clean surface or in a large bowl, make a well with the 00 flour. Crack the eggs into the center of the well, add the tomato concentrate, and begin to mix using a fork. Gradually incorporate the flour from the edges until the dough begins to come together.
Once the mixture starts to form a dough, switch to your hands and continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Ravioli Filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Take the buffalo mozzarella and chop it finely with a knife, allowing it to lose any excess moisture. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the chopped mozzarella with the buffalo ricotta and Grana Padano cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, and stir the mixture until well combined.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part out into thin sheets using a pasta machine or a rolling pin. If you’re using a rolling pin, ensure you dust the dough with semolina flour to prevent it from sticking. The sheets should be thin but not so thin that they tear easily.
Step 4: Shape the Ravioli
Lay one sheet of dough on a clean surface, and spoon small mounds of the cheese filling onto the dough, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart. Place the second sheet of dough on top of the first one, covering the mounds of filling. Press the edges of the dough together to seal the ravioli, making sure to remove any air pockets.
Using a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife, cut the ravioli into squares, ensuring they are well-sealed along the edges. You can also use your fingers to press down around each mound of filling to ensure a good seal. Collect the leftover dough scraps, roll them into a ball, and freeze them for future use.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the ravioli is resting, prepare the sauce. Wash and cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic clove and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the tomatoes soften and begin to release their juices, season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add fresh basil leaves and continue cooking for another minute. Remove the garlic clove from the sauce and discard it.
Step 6: Cook the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, gently drop the ravioli into the pot. The ravioli will sink initially and then float to the top as they cook. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Once the ravioli float to the surface, use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Gently toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat them, allowing the flavors to meld for another minute or two.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Caprese ravioli hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Grana Padano cheese, if desired. These delicate ravioli are best enjoyed immediately for the freshest taste.
Caprese Ravioli is a delightful dish that brings together the simplicity of Italian ingredients with the satisfaction of homemade pasta. The combination of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and the freshness of basil, paired with the vibrant tomato sauce, is sure to make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a family meal, a romantic dinner, or even a festive occasion, this dish showcases the beauty of traditional Italian cooking in the most delicious way. Enjoy!
