If you’re craving a homemade pasta dish that’s both comforting and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this vegetarian ravioli recipe is just what you need. Ravioli, with its delicate pasta pockets and flavorful fillings, can easily become a weeknight favorite or a dish to impress guests over the weekend.
Making ravioli from scratch might sound intimidating, but with a little patience and the right guidance, you’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is. This recipe uses vibrant vegetables and creamy ricotta cheese to create a delightful filling that bursts with flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making perfect vegetarian ravioli that everyone will love.
In addition to being delicious, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. From the silky pasta dough to the savory vegetable filling, each element comes together to create a satisfying, hearty meal.
Plus, making ravioli at home means you control all the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. Ready to get started?
Let’s dive into why this ravioli recipe deserves a spot in your cooking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade ravioli bring a special touch to any meal, and this vegetarian version is no exception. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Fresh ingredients: The filling features a mix of nutritious vegetables and creamy ricotta, creating a balanced and flavorful bite.
- Easy to customize: You can swap vegetables or add herbs and spices to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Perfect texture: The pasta dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without breaking during cooking.
- Impressively homemade: It’s a fun and rewarding cooking project that yields restaurant-quality results.
- Vegetarian and wholesome: A meatless dish packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it a healthy option for dinner.
Ingredients
- For the pasta dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup finely diced mushrooms
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- For serving:
- 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin or pasta machine
- Sharp knife or ravioli cutter
- Fork (for sealing the ravioli)
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Skillet for sautéing vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towel
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta dough: On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add salt and olive oil. Slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs using a fork, then knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced mushrooms, and grated carrot. Sauté until vegetables are soft and any liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine sautéed vegetables with ricotta, spinach, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
- Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll one piece into a thin sheet about 1/16 inch thick. Keep the other piece covered to prevent drying.
- Assemble the ravioli: Place teaspoon-sized mounds of filling about 1 inch apart on the dough sheet. Brush around the filling with a little water to help seal. Roll out the second dough sheet and lay it over the filling mounds.
- Press around each mound to seal the ravioli, making sure to remove any air pockets. Cut individual ravioli using a ravioli cutter or sharp knife. Press edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed.
- Cook the ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop ravioli in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain.
- Serve: Warm the marinara sauce in a pan. Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the sauce or plate ravioli and spoon sauce on top. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations
For the best results, make sure your dough is well rested before rolling it out. This relaxes the gluten and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Vegetable swaps: Use kale instead of spinach, roasted butternut squash, or artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese alternatives: Try vegan ricotta or cottage cheese as substitutes for a dairy-free version.
- Flavor boosters: Add fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the filling for extra aroma.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust the dough consistency with a little water or olive oil.
- Freeze extra ravioli: Arrange uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the boiling time.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (6 ravioli) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 14 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sodium | 420 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian ravioli pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and sauces. For a classic meal, serve with a simple vegan bechamel sauce or a rich marinara sauce as suggested.
For a fresh twist, drizzle with browned butter and sage or toss with sautéed seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.
Pair your ravioli with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine to elevate the dining experience.
Conclusion
Making your own vegetarian ravioli is a delightful culinary adventure that yields delicious and satisfying results. With fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and tender pasta dough, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a meatless meal that’s both nourishing and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this ravioli recipe will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Plus, once you’ve mastered this basic technique, you can experiment with endless fillings and sauces to keep things exciting.
For more delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes to complement your ravioli, be sure to check out other favorites like Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners, and the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Ravioli
Description: Delicious homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach. Perfect for a comforting and meat-free meal.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
- Create a well and add eggs, mixing until dough forms.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 8 minutes and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Combine ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper for filling.
- Roll out dough thinly and cut into squares.
- Place a teaspoon of filling on each square and fold to seal ravioli.
- Boil ravioli in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they float.
- Drain and toss ravioli with olive oil and marinara sauce.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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