When the time comes to celebrate a joyful event such as Carnival, we should not only let ourselves be inspired by the urge to have a good time, but also by the always increasing desire to try new culinary specialties: but what can we do to make something really deliciously tempting? Beyond the everyday dishes we know so well, we need to look to our own creativity and skill in the kitchen – how about making some lovely Nutella ravioli, a dessert combining the unmistakable flavour of the hazelnut cream, with mascarpone and pasta? This cake is certainly irresistible for all chocoholics who enjoy something simple and yet characterized by an all-enveloping sweetness: are you ready to follow our insider tips and make the perfect dessert for Carnival party-goers, young and old?
* approximate values per serving
Prepare the dough: sift the flour with the cocoa, salt and sugar into a large bowl or onto a wooden chopping board. Make a well in the centre of the flour and add the eggs and the oil. Mix together with your hands, kneading until the dough is smooth. Cover and leave to stand for at least 30 minutes. Prepare the filling by mixing the mascarpone with the Nutella. Halve the chocolate dough and wrap one half in cling film. Roll out the other half into thin rectangles on a lightly floured surface or use a machine for making fresh pasta. Cover with a clean cloth and repeat the process with the other dough half. On one strip of dough, place small amounts of the Nutella filling at intervals of 4 cm. Brush some beaten egg onto the dough in the spaces between the fillings. Using a rolling pin, place another dough-rectangle without fillings on top of the dough with the filling. Press down gently on the spaces between the filling, pushing out any air. Cut out the Nutella-filled ravioli using a circular pastry cutter. Place them on a floured cloth and allow them to dry for an hour before cooking. Bring some water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the ravioli a little at a time, stirring to prevent them sticking together (or by adding a few drops of oil to water). Cook for 3-5 minutes, drain them with a slotted spoon and serve with a dash of fresh cream and some grated white chocolate.
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Make the dough: sift the flour and powdered cocoa, the salt and the sugar into a large bowl or onto a chopping board
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Make a well and add the eggs and oil
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Mix with your hands, kneading until you get a smooth dough
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Cover and leave to rest for at least 30 minutes
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Prepare the filling by mixing the mascarpone with the Nutella
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Mix the filing well
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Cut the dough in half and wrap the other half in cling film
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Roll out the pasta into a long thin rectangles on a lightly floured surface or by using a pasta-making machine
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Cover with a clean cloth and repeat the operation with the other half of the dough. One of the strips arrange at intervals dollops of the Nutella filing, roughly every 4 cm
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Brush the spaces in between the Nutella filling with beaten egg
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Using a rolling pin, place another chocolate dough rectangle on top of the one with the fillings
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Lightly press down on the spaces between the fillings to seal them, removing any air
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Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the ravioli a few at a time taking care to mix them well to avoid them sticking together (or else add a few drops of oil to the water). Leave to cook for 3-5 minutes
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Serve with a splash of fresh cream and some grated white chocolate
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Nutella Ravioli can be enriched with a delicious mascarpone filling, which adds an irresistible creaminess to this sweet preparation. To make this variant, simply mix the mascarpone with the Nutella, creating a smooth and velvety mixture. The sweetness of Nutella pairs perfectly with the freshness of mascarpone, making each bite an explosion of flavor. After preparing the cocoa dough, you can form the ravioli filled with this mix, sealing them well to avoid leaks during cooking. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, these ravioli will become the ideal dessert for any special occasion, from a romantic dinner to a birthday party.
In Campania, Nutella Ravioli can be prepared following the Neapolitan tradition, which involves the use of local ingredients and typical techniques. This variant calls for homemade fresh pasta, made from a dough of “00” flour, cocoa, and eggs. Sealing the ravioli is a crucial moment: you can use your fingers or a fork to seal the edges well, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking. Once cooked, the ravioli can be served with a sauce of melted dark chocolate or simply dusted with powdered sugar. This dish represents a perfect fusion between Neapolitan pastry tradition and modernity, making each bite a true journey through Campanian flavors.
For those who desire a lighter version of Nutella Ravioli, it is possible to prepare a recipe without sugar, while still maintaining the sweet and enveloping taste. By using natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, you can reduce the caloric intake without compromising flavor. Additionally, you can opt for light mascarpone, which further reduces calories. The cocoa dough can be made with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content. This variant is perfect for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a dessert. Served with fresh fruit or a light dark chocolate sauce, light Nutella Ravioli become a healthy and tasty dessert.
Nutella Ravioli, while being a dessert, can offer some nutritional benefits, especially if quality ingredients are used. The “00” flour and cocoa provide carbohydrates and antioxidants, while the mascarpone adds protein and calcium. Furthermore, Nutella, when consumed in moderation, can provide energy thanks to sugars and healthy fats. On average, a serving of Nutella ravioli contains about 300-400 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. However, it is important to consider that this is a dessert and should be consumed occasionally. To make the dish more balanced, they can be paired with fresh fruit or Greek yogurt, which add freshness and nutrients.
Yes, Nutella Ravioli can be frozen, making them an excellent solution for preparing in advance. To freeze them properly, it is advisable to place them on a tray in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch, to avoid sticking together. Once frozen, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container. In this way, they can be stored for several weeks. When you wish to consume them, you can cook them directly from frozen, slightly increasing the cooking times. This practice allows you to enjoy Nutella Ravioli at any time without having to prepare them from scratch.