Ravioli with nettles

Nettle Ravioli - A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe that surprises with flavor and originality, nettle ravioli is the perfect choice. This dish is not only a delicacy, but also an excellent way to incorporate green vegetables into your diet. Nettles, rich in vitamins and minerals, provide a distinct taste and vibrant color to your plate.

Ingredients for the ravioli dough:
- 300 g wheat flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients for the filling:
- 200 g fresh nettles
- 250 g sweet cow cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil. Mix with a fork to integrate the ingredients, then knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling:
Blanch the nettles in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Chop the nettles finely and sauté them in olive oil with a little salt for 2-3 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the sautéed nettles with the sweet cow cheese, egg, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the ravioli:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a well-floured surface until you get a thin sheet. Use a mold or a glass to cut circles from the dough. Place a teaspoon of the nettle filling on each circle, then fold the dough to form ravioli, making sure the edges are well sealed. You can use water to help with sealing.

4. Boiling the ravioli:
In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil. Add the ravioli a few at a time to avoid overcrowding the pot. Let them boil for 4-5 minutes or until they rise to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain well.

5. Serving:
You can serve the ravioli with a simple sauce of melted butter and fresh basil, or with a lightly spiced tomato sauce. Another delicious option is to sprinkle them with grated Parmesan and drizzle with a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the nettles are fresh and of good quality. If you don’t have access to fresh nettles, you can use spinach or other greens like arugula.
- If you prefer a more aromatic dough, you can add a little turmeric or pureed spinach to the ravioli dough.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or feta, to achieve different flavors.

These nettle ravioli are not just a hearty meal but also a way to bring a touch of nature to your plate. Enjoy them with loved ones and savor a healthy and tasty dish!