Ravioli, a pasta whose name derives from the verb "to wrap" (ravvolgere).
A century ago, stuffed pasta with vegetable-based fillings were eaten on Fridays and during Lent. The meat-stuffed varieties, on the other hand, were a day-after treat made with the leftover meats from Sunday dinners or festive meals. Autumn is the perfect time to stuff-it with fall squash or using pumpkin which has become a viewer pasta favorite from my TV series.
TIPS:
- Uncooked ravioli will freeze well for a two months, store flat in single layers.
- Make mini ravioli for soups and appetizers
The Stamp: Make ravioli exactly like they do in Italy. The design hasn’t changed in more than 100 years. Why? It’s already simply the best. fantes.com
Ricotta Pasta Dough | Recipe by Chef George Hirsch
3 1/2 to 4 cups all purpose flour, variable
10 ounces ricotta, well drained
2 whole eggs, beaten
1 egg yolk, add to beaten eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
To Mix By Hand:
Mound 3 1/2 cups of the flour and salt in the center of a large wooden cutting board or use a large deep bowl. Make a well in the middle of the flour, add the ricotta and eggs. Begin to mix all ingredients by hand folding the flour round and round.
The dough will come together when half of the flour is incorporated. At this point, start kneading the dough with both hands, using the palms of your hands.
Once the dough comes together, remove the dough from the bowl and scrape up and discard any leftover bits. Lightly flour the board and continue kneading for 6 more minutes. The dough should be elastic and a little sticky. If too sticky add a little more flour.
Wrap the dough in plastic, refrigerate overnight or allow to rest for at least one hour. Because of the eggs, the Ricotta Dough should be cooked or frozen within three days.
Roll or shape as desired.
From here you can prepare ravioli, fettuccini, pappardelle, or endless variety of shapes.
Divide the dough into four pieces. Lightly dust a large wooden board with flour and roll slightly by hand, repeat dusting with flour flipping dough over as you make it thinner and thinner. The trick is to use just the right amount of flour, too little it will stick, too much and the pasta will become tough when cooked.
A pasta dough machine with metal rollers and cutters is ideal to give you variety of options. But with a little practice by hand, you’ll roll the dough like a pro.
George's Pumpkin Ravioli Recipe
chefgeorgehirsch.com
TIP: use a good quality roasting pan for even heat convection
