Red Tomato Ravioli: A Homemade Italian Delight

Red Tomato Ravioli is a delightful Italian pasta dish that combines the simplicity of homemade pasta with a flavorful tomato-based filling. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for pasta lovers.

The delicate pasta, made with fresh eggs and tomato paste, is filled with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture. The ravioli is then tossed in a simple butter sauce flavored with fresh herbs.

Ingredients for 4 people:

For the ravioli dough:

• 200g all-purpose flour
• Semolina flour, for dusting
• 2 eggs
• 10g tomato paste

For the filling:

• 250g ricotta cheese
• 100g grated Grana Padano cheese
• Fresh basil, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, to taste
• 60g butter
• Chives, to taste
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 4 sage leaves

Instructions:

1. Make the pasta dough

Place the flour in a mound on a work surface and make a well in the center. Add the eggs and tomato paste to the well. Mix with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour. Knead the mixture until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling

Place the ricotta, grated cheese, and chopped basil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper, and process until the ingredients are well combined. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Roll out the dough using a pasta machine, starting with the widest setting and gradually narrowing it until it reaches the thinnest setting. Trim the sheets and pipe small mounds of filling onto one side of the sheet.

4. Assemble the Ravioli

Using a brush, moisten the edges with water to ensure that the pasta sticks properly. Fold the sheet over and press lightly to seal the ravioli. Use a round cutter to shape your ravioli, or if you prefer, cut into circles by layering the sheets and using a cutter.

5. Cook the Ravioli

Blanch the ravioli in boiling salted water until they float to the surface. Drain them and toss in a pan with a small amount of melted butter. Finish by sprinkling with chopped herbs and a pinch of black pepper.

Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Italian classic!