What is ravioli?

ravioli is a popular Italian dish consisting of small, round-shaped stuffed dumplings. The dough is commonly made with flour, eggs and sometimes olive oil. The stuffing can include several different fillings such as ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs. They are typically boiled before being served in a light and flavorful tomato sauce. Ravioli has been around for centuries, but became very popular in the United States during the 1950s and 60s.

Ravioli are typically prepared in two distinct shapes: square and circular. To create the attractive "pillow" shape that is so familiar, first square pieces of dough are arranged over a bed of sautéed ingredients such as mushrooms or spinach. The intended filling is then spooned into the center of each piece before being folded over and sealed shut with a fork or crimpler – sometimes referred to as "tortellini twirling" or "pinching". This labor-intensive process ensures that each ravioli packs an exquisite flavor within each bite.

A vast array of sauces can be used to dress any plate of ravioli; with classic options including butter, cream sauces, Pesto, pesto cream and Bolognese sauce being most prevalent. When finished right, this pasta delight offers unrivaled textures as well as rich flavor combinations only found in such dishes originating from Italy itself.