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Sweet ravioli with ricotta

⏱ 35 min🍳 12 min👤 6 pp★★★★☆

Usually when one thinks of ravioli one imagines a main course with pasta made with a delicious savoury filling, but in fact there is also a sweet version with a wonderfully finger-licking centre. The filling that we suggest in this recipe is based on ricotta: a soft, scrumptious cheese, embellished with sugar, cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract to make it even more tasty. On the outside, these ravioli are made with a pastry that, once cooked, perfectly balances the sweet notes of the other ingredients. This variant of sweet ricotta ravioli is especially typical of the cuisine of central Italy, but you could easily opt for a different filling consisting, for example, of a lovely jam or a fruit puree. There is nothing else left to say except buy the best ingredients and get to work making our recipe! Are you ready to amaze your friends and family?

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
10g
Carbohydrates
72g
Fat
20g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
35 minutes Total time
12 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Prepare the pastry by putting the flour on a pastry board or marble work surface. Put the eggs, sugar, oil, baking powder and salt in the centre, pull together and knead well until it forms a soft, smooth ball. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing, with the help of a hand whisk, the ricotta, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Make sure you don’t leave any lumps. Then take the dough a lump at a time and roll it out with a rolling pin into longish, narrow strips. With a teaspoon, place some of the filling a short distance from one another along the strip. Fold the strip lengthwise, making a good seal by pressing with your fingers both between the fillings and on the long edge of the strip. With the help of a pasta cutter remove the excess leaving yourself ravioli squares. Place the ravioli on an oven sheet lined with baking parchment paper and bake at 170 °C for 10 mins. As soon as the edges are lightly coloured and small cracks form on the surface, the ravioli are cooked.Let them cool and sprinkle with icing sugar. Let them cool and sprinkle with icing sugar.

Tips
To add a little more flavour and attractiveness to your cakes we recommend brushing with honey and adding some chocolate shavings.
Trivia
These sweet ricotta ravioli are a typical dessert in Abruzzo and are made especially during the Carnival period.

Step by step

Prepare the sweet shortcrust pastry
Prepare the sweet shortcrust pastry
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Sweet Ricotta Ravioli with Powdered Sugar

One of the most appreciated variations of sweet ricotta ravioli is the addition of powdered sugar, which gives an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant presentation. To prepare this version, after filling the ravioli with the delicious ricotta cream, you can generously dust them with powdered sugar before serving. This step not only enhances the flavor of the ravioli but also makes them visually appealing, perfect for a snack or a special dessert. Additionally, the powdered sugar melts gently in the mouth, creating a pleasant contrast with the softness of the pasta and the creaminess of the filling. Try them also with a light chocolate sauce or accompanied by fresh fruit for a touch of freshness.

Tuscan Sweet Ricotta Ravioli

Sweet ricotta ravioli are a typical dessert of Tuscan tradition, where fresh ricotta is often used to prepare homemade desserts. This recipe stands out for its use of simple and genuine ingredients, reflecting the rustic cuisine of the region. The pastry, made with flour, eggs, and sugar, envelops a filling of sweet ricotta flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, creating an unmistakable balance of flavors. In some regional variations, a pinch of grated lemon can also be added for a touch of freshness. Served warm or at room temperature, these ravioli represent an ideal dessert for holidays or a family snack, bringing a piece of Tuscan tradition to the table.

Light Sweet Ricotta Ravioli without Sugar

For those who desire a lighter version of sweet ricotta ravioli, it is possible to prepare a "light" variant by eliminating sugar from the recipe. By using fresh ricotta, which is naturally sweet, and flavoring it with cinnamon and vanilla, a tasty filling can be achieved without adding unnecessary calories. Additionally, one can opt for a pastry made with whole wheat flour and a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, to maintain the flavor without compromising health. This version is perfect for those following a low-calorie diet or for those who wish to limit sugar intake, without giving up the pleasure of a homemade dessert.

Benefits of Ricotta in Sweet Ricotta Ravioli and Calories

Ricotta, the main ingredient in sweet ravioli, is a fresh cheese that offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in protein, calcium, and B vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. Thanks to its calcium content, ricotta is beneficial for bone and dental health, while the protein helps maintain muscle mass. Additionally, being a low-fat cheese, it is ideal for those looking to maintain or lose weight. On average, 100 grams of ricotta provide about 150 calories, making sweet ricotta ravioli a relatively light dessert compared to other more caloric preparations.

Can Sweet Ricotta Ravioli be Frozen?

A common question regarding sweet ricotta ravioli is whether they can be frozen. The answer is yes, the ravioli can be frozen before cooking. To do this, it is advisable to arrange them on a tray in a single layer and place them in the freezer until they solidify. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container to save space. When you wish to cook them, there is no need to thaw them; just cook them directly in boiling water, slightly increasing the cooking time. However, it is important to consume them within 2-3 months to ensure the best quality and flavor.