Ravioli are a true hero of Italian cuisine, with roots dating back as far as the 14th century, appearing in the writing of a famous merchant of Prato, text that traces back to roughly 1380. Unlike many other types of pasta, there is no one specific centre of origin for ravioli. Instead, variants of the dish occur across Italy, with a number of regions and towns boasting their own take on the filling, and thus inviting a plethora of unique and inventive ravioli filling ideas, many of which inspire our pastai at Pasta Evangelists.
Here are ten of our favourite ravioli creations for you to try at home.
1. Black Truffle and Burrata Ravioli
Consider this elevated recipe for ravioli al formaggio (cheese ravioli) a celebration of Italy’s gastronomic prowess, showcasing some of the nation’s finest, most cherished exports. Though this dish boasts a humble elegance to the eye, each raviolo parcel conceals a filling of pure, unabashed luxury. Black truffles, or trifolati in their native Norcia, lend their famed punchy aroma, and these flecks of precious earthy flavour are suspended in creamy, fresh burrata - the jewel in the crown of Italian cheeses. Renowned for its indulgent, buttery consistency and delicate, milky flavour, burrata is a product forged by the deft hands of artisan cheesemakers located in the Apulia region of the sun-drenched south.
While the earthy flavour of black truffle is something typically associated with more autumnal cuisine, the light and fresh burrata cheese ensures this is an ideal dish for warmer spring climates.
Recipe: Black Truffle and Ravioli
2. Creamy Salmon Ravioli
Our smoked salmon & ricotta ravioli marries the fresh and smoky flavour of the succulent fish with creamy and mild ricotta cheese, and bright lemon and chives, all encased in a rich, handmade egg pasta raviolo shell. This well-balanced ravioli filling is at once light and refreshing, and bursting with bright flavours, perfect for an al fresco dinner on a warm spring evening.
Recipe: Creamy Salmon Ravioli
3. Lemon and Ricotta Ravioli
Limoni flourish in the sunkissed Italian spring, where they are nurtured and adored by natives. This notion rings particularly true along the Amalfi Coast, known for its sensational citrus exports, as well as in Sicily, where the sunny Mediterranean climate renders perfectly perfumed lemons. A celebration of limoni at their prime, our classic lemon and ricotta ravioli recipe showcases the citrusy gem of both Italian coast and cuisine, its bright flavour suspended in mild yet creamy ricotta, complemented by streaks of aromatic basil and salty Parmigiano Reggiano. Enveloped in fresh, handmade ravioli pasta, we scarcely believe you’ll encounter a more Italian collection of ingredients in a single, joy-inducing bite.
Recipe: Lemon and Ricotta Ravioli
4. Lobster and Crab Ravioli
The soft azure of the exquisite mar Mediterraneo proves not only a visual delight, but a gastronomic haven, boasting some of the finest fresh seafood in the world. Our seafood ravioli lovingly pairs fresh, delicate lobster with juicy and sweet crab meat, paying homage to the beautiful, sunkissed coastal regions located in the nether of the boot.
Recipe: Lobster and Crab Ravioli
5. Pea and Shallot Ravioli
Introducing pasta bianca - the hero of vegan pasta. While traditional ravioli are typically made with flour and eggs, we believe that everyone, including our plant-based friends, should be able to enjoy these elegant and delicious pasta parcels. Pasta bianca, rooted in the humble traditions of cucina povera (poor cooking) from the Italian South, offers a solution. It draws inspiration from the scarcity of costly ingredients like eggs, relying instead on a simple combination of flour and water. This classic and versatile vegan pasta dough is essential for crafting delectable plant-based Italian dishes.
Our vibrant vegan ravioli, filled with fresh peas and gently sautéed shallots, provide a delightful and nutritious twist on the beloved global pasta favorite.
Recipe: Pea and Shallot Ravioli
6. 'Nduja and Taleggio Ravioli
Prepare to indulge in a match made in culinary heaven—the fiery 'nduja sausage and tangy Taleggio cheese. In this mouthwatering ravioli, we unite the flavours of southern and northern Italy, celebrating the delicious union of regions that often find themselves at odds. The resulting harmony found in this dish, blending the treasures of the north and south, is truly extraordinary.
Our inspiration comes from the distinctive regions of Calabria and Lombardy, as we showcase some of their most iconic ingredients. Calabria offers 'nduja, a spicy sausage crafted with native chillies, boasting a luxurious, spreadable texture akin to pâté. Taleggio, hailing from Lombardy's Alpine valley called Val Taleggio, is a semi-soft cheese renowned for its mild and almost-fruity tang. Its flavours perfectly complement the fiery heat of the 'nduja, creating a symphony of taste sensations.
Recipe: 'Nduja and Taleggio Ravioli
7. Courgette and Scamorza Ravioli
Prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant green zucchini (courgette) and the delicate, smoky essence of scamorza cheese—a heavenly pairing indeed. Both courgette and scamorza are closely associated with the picturesque Italian region of Campania, home to the renowned Amalfi Coast. This fusion of flavours conjures visions of sun-drenched days, where one gazes at the turquoise ocean on a postcard-perfect beach.
To enhance the filling's lusciousness, we blend creamy ricotta cheese, resulting in a velvety smooth texture that effortlessly melts in your mouth. Each bite encapsulates the essence of culinary bliss, reminiscent of those enchanting days spent under the Mediterranean sun.
Recipe: Courgette and Scamorza Ravioli
8. Wild Mushroom Ravioli
In Italy, the cherished tradition of gathering wild mushrooms, known as andare a funghi, thrives thanks to the favorable growing conditions of the Italian landscape. The majestic Alps and Apennine mountains nurture an abundance of revered mushrooms, including the prized porcini and fiery galetti.
While meaty wild mushrooms take center stage in this recipe, we go the extra mile by drenching our ravioli in a sumptuous butter sauce, generously flecked with precious black truffles sourced from the enchanting region of Umbria. The marriage of the earthy, umami flavours of the wild mushrooms with the truffle-infused butter creates an alluring sheen and imparts a distinctive and captivating aroma. To add a thoughtful textural element to this already exceptional dish, we delicately sprinkle toasted hazelnuts, providing a satisfying crunch with each unforgettable bite.
Recipe: Wild Mushroom Ravioli
9. Lamb and Rosemary Ravioli
Prepare to experience a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of spring, the traditions of Abruzzo and Molise, and the time-honoured pairing of tender lamb and aromatic rosemary.
Succulent lamb meat finds its perfect complement in the woody essence of rosemary, which beautifully shines through in each pasta envelope. This enduring combination of flavours has graced Italian cuisine for centuries. Through careful craftsmanship, we have struck the ideal balance of ingredients, allowing you to savour this extraordinary blend in all its glory.
Recipe: Lamb and Rosemary Ravioli
10. Hearty Beef Ravioli
Embrace the heartiness of our beef ravioli recipe, where flavourful minced beef harmonises with earthy herbs and bold Parmigiano Reggiano, presenting a well-rounded and approachable rendition of Italy's beloved dish.
This dish, a cherished element of Ligurian cuisine, exemplifies the rewards that emerge when humble yet carefully selected ingredients are thoughtfully prepared, reflecting centuries of culinary tradition. It encapsulates the essence of authentic Italian cooking, where simplicity and reverence for the past intertwine to create remarkable flavours.
Recipe: Hearty Beef Ravioli
How to create ravioli at home
Presumably you’ll want to transform these delicious fillings into fresh ravioli, right? Making fresh ravioli from scratch is somewhat a complex undertaking, but one eased by having the right tools. We offer a range of complete pasta-making kits that enable you to make fresh, delicious ravioli from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Watch the tutorial below to learn how to make ravioli at home from scratch.
