Introduction
Valentine’s Day Ravioletti is a dish that brings both beauty and flavor to the table, perfect for celebrating love in the most delicious way. These heart-shaped ravioli are filled with a silky, creamy ricotta and a luscious red beetroot puree that gives them a vibrant pink color. The moment you bite into one, the rich, earthy sweetness of the beetroot pairs wonderfully with the smooth ricotta, creating a flavor combination that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a dish that doesn’t just look romantic—it tastes like it too, making it the perfect meal for any celebration of love.
The first time I made Valentine’s Day Ravioletti, I couldn’t help but smile as I shaped the pasta into little hearts. The vibrant color of the beetroot made the ravioli look like little love notes waiting to be devoured. As they cooked, the kitchen filled with the warmth of the ricotta and the sweet scent of beets, and when I sat down to enjoy them, I was amazed by how special each bite felt. It was a dish that felt both elegant and comforting at the same time, and it made me feel like I was sharing something truly meaningful.
What I love most about Valentine’s Day Ravioletti is how customizable it is. You can adjust the beetroot filling to your liking, adding more or less sweetness, and even experiment with different pasta shapes for other occasions. Whether you’re cooking for a partner or indulging in a solo dinner, this dish brings love, flavor, and color to any table, making it an unforgettable meal.
Perfect for:
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- Valentine’s Day celebrations
- Romantic dinners
- Special occasions
- Dinner parties
- Gourmet pasta lovers
Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Ravioletti Recipe
Here’s why Valentine’s Day Ravioletti will make your heart skip a beat:
- Romantic and Beautiful: The heart-shaped ravioli is not only visually stunning but also sets the perfect mood for a romantic meal.
- Delicate Flavors: The creamy ricotta and subtly sweet beetroot filling offer a wonderful contrast that is both comforting and sophisticated.
- Customizable Filling: The ricotta filling can be easily adapted by adding herbs, spinach, or even a touch of garlic for extra flavor.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: The elegance of this dish makes it ideal for Valentine’s Day or any celebration where you want to impress.
- Fun to Make Together: Preparing this dish with your loved one can be a fun and interactive experience, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make Valentine’s Day Ravioletti:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium beetroot, roasted and pureed
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese, drained
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Ingredient Highlights
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy texture of ricotta is perfect for filling ravioli, offering a mild flavor that complements the sweet beetroot.
- Beetroot: Roasted and pureed beetroot adds a rich, earthy flavor while giving the ravioli its stunning pink hue.
- Parmesan Cheese: The grated Parmesan adds a savory, umami depth to the filling, making it perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the beetroot.
- Fresh Thyme: A touch of fresh thyme enhances the overall flavor of the dish with its aromatic, earthy taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Valentine’s Day Ravioletti:
Prepare the Pasta Dough:
- Make the Dough: On a clean surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add the olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs and gradually incorporate the flour from the edges.
- Knead the Dough: Once the mixture starts to come together, knead the dough with your hands until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into two pieces. Roll out one piece into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling:
- Roast the Beetroot: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beetroot in foil and roast for about 45 minutes until tender. Let it cool, then peel and puree in a food processor until smooth.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, beetroot puree, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Ravioletti:
- Shape the Ravioli: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into thin sheets. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or ravioli mold, cut out heart shapes from the dough. Place a teaspoon of the beetroot-ricotta filling in the center of half of the heart-shaped dough pieces.
- Seal the Ravioli: Wet the edges of the dough with a little water, then place another heart-shaped piece of dough on top, gently pressing around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are tightly sealed.
- Cook the Ravioletti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the fresh thyme and cook for 1-2 minutes. Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the butter sauce, allowing them to coat evenly.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the ravioletti on a platter, garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little more melted butter.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Ravioletti
Valentine’s Day Ravioletti is perfect for serving in various ways:
- As a Romantic Dinner: Serve this dish with a side of sautéed spinach or a simple green salad for a complete, romantic meal.
- With a Light Side Salad: Pair the ravioletti with a light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- For Special Occasions: Serve as part of a multi-course meal for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary celebration, impressing your guests with both flavor and presentation.
- As a Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the ravioli in advance, freeze them, and cook them fresh on the day of your meal for convenience.
- With a Glass of Wine: Pair with a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the flavors of the ravioli and sauce.
Additional Tips for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti
Here are some tips to ensure your Valentine’s Day Ravioletti turns out perfectly:
- Use Fresh Beetroot: Fresh, roasted beetroot gives the ravioli a richer flavor and vibrant color compared to canned or pickled beets.
- Don’t Overstuff the Ravioli: Be careful not to overstuff the ravioli to ensure they seal properly and cook evenly.
- Rolling Dough Thinly: Ensure the pasta dough is rolled thin enough so it cooks quickly and has a delicate texture.
- Use a Pasta Machine: A pasta machine can make rolling the dough easier and more consistent if you have one available.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add ingredients like spinach, garlic, or herbs to the ricotta filling for a personalized flavor.
Recipe Variations for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti
Here are 10 variations you can try for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti:
- Spinach and Ricotta Filling: Add fresh spinach to the ricotta for a savory twist that complements the sweetness of the beetroot.
- Mushroom and Ricotta Filling: Swap the beetroot for sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, rich flavor.
- Goat Cheese and Beetroot: Use goat cheese in place of ricotta for a tangy, creamy filling that pairs wonderfully with beetroot.
- Lemon Zest and Herb Filling: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley along with lemon zest for a fragrant and fresh filling.
- Sweet Potato Filling: Swap the beetroot for mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter ravioli.
- Ricotta and Lemon Filling: Keep the filling simple with just ricotta and a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing contrast.
- Truffle Oil Drizzle: Drizzle truffle oil over the ravioli for a luxurious, aromatic flavor.
- Sautéed Prawns or Lobster Filling: For a seafood variation, add sautéed prawns or lobster to the ricotta for an elegant filling.
- Nutmeg Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta for a warm, comforting flavor that pairs well with the beetroot.
- Ricotta and Pecorino Filling: Substitute Pecorino cheese for a sharper, saltier flavor that complements the beetroot’s sweetness.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing the Ravioli: You can freeze the uncooked ravioli by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing them for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, simply drop them into boiling water straight from the freezer.
- Storage: Store leftover cooked ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or by tossing them in a little butter or sauce.
Special Equipment for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Valentine’s Day Ravioletti easier:
- Pasta Machine: A pasta machine is helpful for rolling the dough evenly and thinly.
- Ravioli Mold or Cutter: A ravioli mold or heart-shaped cookie cutter helps ensure uniform ravioli shapes.
- Slotted Spoon: This tool is perfect for gently removing the ravioli from boiling water without breaking them.
- Food Processor: A food processor makes pureeing the beetroot quick and easy.
- Rolling Pin: If you don’t have a pasta machine, a rolling pin works well to roll out the dough by hand.
FAQ Section for Valentine’s Day Ravioletti
- Can I make the pasta dough by hand?
Yes, you can make the dough by hand, just be sure to knead it thoroughly to develop the gluten and ensure a smooth texture. - Can I make the ravioletti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the ravioli a day ahead and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use. - Can I use store-bought pasta dough?
Yes, store-bought pasta dough can be used to save time, but homemade dough will give you the best texture and flavor. - How can I keep the ravioli from sticking together?
Dust the ravioli lightly with flour before storing them, and be sure to cook them in plenty of salted water to prevent them from sticking. - Can I use a different type of cheese in the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like mascarpone, goat cheese, or even ricotta blended with cream cheese for different flavors.
Valentine’s Day Ravioletti
Valentine’s Day Ravioletti is a delightful, romantic twist on the classic ravioli. With heart-shaped pasta pockets filled with creamy ricotta and a luscious red beetroot puree, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. The vibrant pink color of the ravioli, combined with its rich filling, makes it the perfect dish for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or preparing a special meal for yourself, this dish will fill the table with love and flavor.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make Valentine’s Day Ravioletti:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 medium beetroot, roasted and pureed
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese, drained
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta Dough:
- Make the Dough: On a clean surface, mound the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, add the olive oil and salt. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs and gradually incorporate the flour from the edges.
- Knead the Dough: Once the mixture starts to come together, knead the dough with your hands until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into two pieces. Roll out one piece into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling:
- Roast the Beetroot: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beetroot in foil and roast for about 45 minutes until tender. Let it cool, then peel and puree in a food processor until smooth.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, beetroot puree, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Ravioletti:
- Shape the Ravioli: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into thin sheets. Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or ravioli mold, cut out heart shapes from the dough. Place a teaspoon of the beetroot-ricotta filling in the center of half of the heart-shaped dough pieces.
- Seal the Ravioli: Wet the edges of the dough with a little water, then place another heart-shaped piece of dough on top, gently pressing around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are tightly sealed.
- Cook the Ravioletti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Make the Butter Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the fresh thyme and cook for 1-2 minutes. Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the butter sauce, allowing them to coat evenly.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the ravioletti on a platter, garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little more melted butter.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 14g
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day Ravioletti is a charming and elegant dish that is sure to make any special occasion unforgettable. With its delicate, heart-shaped pasta and rich, flavorful filling, this dish offers the perfect balance of romance and indulgence. Whether you’re preparing it for a Valentine’s Day dinner, an anniversary celebration, or simply to treat yourself and your loved one, it’s guaranteed to impress. With its beautiful presentation, customizable filling, and mouthwatering flavors, this ravioletti recipe is a lovely way to show someone you care—one bite at a time.
I’d love to see how your Valentine’s Day Ravioletti turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can see your lovely creation. Feel free to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy cooking and happy celebrating!