Ravioli with meat and tomato sauce

Ravioli with meat and tomato sauce

Welcome to the wonderful world of homemade pasta! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a traditional recipe for meat ravioli with tomato sauce, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your home. This recipe is perfect for a special family dinner or to impress your guests. Get ready to discover the joy of cooking!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 2 large eggs
- Flour (approximately 400 g, or as needed)
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 400 g minced meat (pork or beef, as preferred)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 100 ml semi-dry white wine

*For the sauce:*
- 400 ml tomato puree
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Preparation

1. Preparing the filling
In a large skillet, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This will create a flavorful base for your filling.

2. Adding the meat
Add the minced meat to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Pour in the semi-dry white wine and let it simmer until all the liquid evaporates and the meat is slightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Once the filling is ready, let it cool slightly. If you prefer a finer filling, you can use a blender to chop it more finely.

3. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Mix with a fork until the dough starts to form. Then, knead with your hands until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. This process will take about 5-10 minutes. Let the dough rest for 20-30 minutes covered with a damp cloth.

4. Shaping the ravioli
After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts. Using a rolling pin, roll out a thin sheet from the first part. Use a glass or a cutter to cut out round shapes. In the center of each shape, add a teaspoon of filling. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or with a fork to ensure a good seal.

5. Boiling the ravioli
In a large pot, add water and a little salt or broth, along with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking. When the water reaches a boil, carefully add the ravioli. Boil for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the dough. The ravioli are ready when they rise to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain.

6. Preparing the tomato sauce
Meanwhile, in another skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic over low heat, being careful not to burn it. Add the tomato puree and halved cherry tomatoes, then let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and add the fresh basil at the end for a vibrant flavor.

7. Assembling and serving
Toss the boiled ravioli with the tomato sauce, making sure they are well coated. Serve immediately, garnishing each portion with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Practical Tips

- Choose the right meat: If you want a stronger flavor, opt for beef. If you prefer a milder taste, pork is ideal.
- The perfect dough: Make sure the dough is well-kneaded and allowed to rest to become elastic. This will make it easier to roll out.
- Customization: Add extra ingredients to the filling, such as ricotta cheese or spinach, to create delicious variations.
- Tomato sauce: Use fresh tomatoes in season for a more flavorful sauce. The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pasta?
Of course! If you don't have time to make the dough, you can use store-bought ravioli sheets. Just make sure to boil them according to the instructions on the package.

2. How can I store leftover ravioli?
If you have leftover ravioli, you can freeze them. Make sure they are completely dry before placing them in an airtight container.

3. Can I substitute the wine in the filling?
Yes, you can use meat broth or water instead of wine to keep the filling moist.

These meat ravioli with tomato sauce are not only a delicious recipe but also a pleasant cooking activity with loved ones. Enjoy every bite and savor the rich flavors and the satisfaction of having created something with your own hands. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 2 eggs, flour as needed, salt. For the filling: minced meat (pork or beef), 1 onion, oil, salt, pepper, oregano, 1 cup of semi-dry white wine. For the sauce: tomato juice, a few cherry tomatoes, oil, garlic, basil.