Ah, Valentine’s Day! A day filled with love, romance, and, let’s be real, some delicious food. I don’t know about you, but I think there’s something especially charming about making food from scratch, particularly for a special occasion. That’s why I adore this homemade ravioli recipe filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach. It’s like wrapping up love in little pasta parcels!
I remember the first time I made these with my partner. We made a total mess in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere, and we turned what could have been a mundane evening into a giggling, flour-dusted adventure. The taste of those first bites was worth every single speck of flour on my face! Just picture yourself and your loved one rolling out the dough and perfecting those little ravioli, while snacking on some delicious cheese. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget! So, let’s get rolling and dive into this delightful recipe.
What’s in Valentine’s Day Homemade Ravioli with Ricotta and Spinach?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your pasta dough. I prefer a good quality brand, like King Arthur Flour, because the results are consistently amazing.
Eggs: Essential for binding the dough together. They also add a lovely richness to the flavor. Use large eggs for the best results.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is the star of the filling! I love using whole milk ricotta for that velvety consistency.
Fresh Spinach: It adds a wonderful color and nutrition to the filling. I usually go for organic spinach when I can, as it tends to have better flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this aged cheese in the filling amps up the umami flavor and gives it a delightful kick.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch will elevate the flavor of the filling. It’s a little secret ingredient that makes a big difference.
Olive Oil: A dash in the dough helps to keep it smooth and pliable while also adding to the flavor.
Is Valentine’s Day Homemade Ravioli with Ricotta and Spinach Good for You?
Absolutely! These ravioli can be quite nutritious.
Spinach: Packed with iron, vitamins A, C, and K, this leafy green supports overall health. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens while indulging in pasta.
Ricotta Cheese: While it’s rich, it also offers protein and calcium, contributing to a balanced meal. Just be mindful of portions if you’re watching your dietary intake.
The homemade pasta itself is fresher and devoid of the preservatives that often come with store-bought varieties. You can control the ingredients to suit dietary preferences as well. Just keep in mind that homemade pasta can be more indulgent, so balance it out with a tasty salad!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
This recipe serves 4, which is perfect for an intimate Valentine’s dinner!
How to Make Valentine’s Day Homemade Ravioli with Ricotta and Spinach?
1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Add the olive oil. Using a fork, slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough forms. Knead it for about 5-10 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** In a bowl, combine the ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. The filling should be bright and creamy.
3. **Roll Out the Dough:** After resting, divide the dough into quarters. Roll each portion out as thin as possible using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, dusting with flour to prevent sticking. You want it to be thin enough to see your hand through but not too fragile.
4. **Assemble the Ravioli:** Place teaspoon-sized dollops of filling about 2 inches apart on one sheet of dough. Moisten the edges around the filling with water to help seal it. Lay another sheet of dough over the top and press to seal, making sure to remove any air bubbles. Use a pasta cutter or knife to cut out individual ravioli.
5. **Cook the Ravioli:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the ravioli and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. They should be tender but still firm. Drain carefully.
6. **Serve:** Enjoy with your choice of sauce – a simple olive oil and garlic dressing is divine, or you can go all out with a rich marinara or cream sauce. Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if you like!
Delicious Extras for a Romantic Touch
– **Sauce Choices:** Try tossing the ravioli in a sage brown butter sauce for a touch of elegance. It’s a flavor combination that screams romance and is so simple to make!
– **Pair with Wine:** Don’t forget to pick a nice white wine to pair with your delightful ravioli.
– **Add Fresh Herbs:** Finishing with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley can elevate the dish both in presentation and flavor.
I absolutely encourage you to give this homemade ravioli a whirl! It’s a fantastic way to create lasting memories together while indulging in some scrumptious food. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how your pasta adventure went, and any funny mishaps along the way—because let’s be honest, what’s a kitchen without a little chaos? Happy cooking and happy Valentine’s Day!