Pasta hearts stuffed with a walnut sauce
There is no specific day to celebrate the wonder and pleasure of true love, since it is a plant that must be cultivated with loving care every day of one’s life: giving it the proper attention, watering it with feeling and not forgetting to cement its growth with gentle surprises. Nevertheless, on a special day like Valentine’s Day we should make something a little different to eat, because to celebrate love with words alone is certainly not enough, we also need that small, thoughtful gesture that a lovingly crafted meal can provide. That’s why today we suggest you make some original heart-shaped ravioli containing a delicious filling and served with a walnut sauce, an ideal, tasty and tempting way to express your feelings. Are you ready to turn Valentine's Day into something unique, where the most beautiful emotions are never missing?
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Wash the vegetables and cook in a little boiling salted water for 20 minutes. Drain well, squeeze out any remaining water and chop finely with a mezzaluna. Put them in a bowl and make a filling with ricotta, eggs, Parmesan cheese and chopped marjoram. Add a clove of minced garlic, and some salt and stir until the mixture is smooth then leave to rest while you make the pasta dough. Prepare the dough by mixing the flour, egg, water and white wine. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Place balls (about the size of a walnut) of the filling mixture in the centre, cover with another sheet of pastry, and then cut out heart shapes around the filling with a biscuit cutter. Now make the walnut sauce: finely chop the walnuts along with pine nuts, garlic and marjoram. Loosen the nut mixture with the oil and a little cooking water for the pasta hearts. Boil the hearts in salted water, drain and toss with the walnut sauce. Serve the stuffed hearts with the walnut sauce and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step by step
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Cook the greens in a little boiling water for 20 minutes
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Chop the greens up and add to a bowl with the ricotta, the eggs, the grated parmesan, and the chopped marjoram leaves. Add the chopped garlic clove, some salt and blend together until you obtain a smooth mixture
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Make the pasta by working the flour, the egg and the water with ½ tablespoon of white wine into a dough
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Roll out the pasta thinly and arrange little balls of the filling along it at regular intervals
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Cover with the other sheet of pasta and cut out the fillings with a heart-shaped biscuit cutter
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Proceed like this until you have used up all the filling, making sure you place the cut out ravioli on a floured tray so that they don’t stick
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Make the walnut sauce by chopping up the walnuts, pine nuts and garlic together
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Mix the nuts together with the ricotta and a few tablespoons of pasta cooking water
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Boil the heart-shaped stuffed pasta and mix with the walnut sauce
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Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese
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Additional information
Stuffed Hearts with Walnut Sauce and Vegetables
A variation of the classic stuffed hearts dish includes the addition of fresh vegetables. This version enriches the filling with a mix of seasonal vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini, which are cooked in boiling water and then finely chopped. The addition of vegetables not only increases the volume of the filling but also imparts a more delicate and fresh flavor. To prepare the stuffed hearts with walnut sauce and vegetables, follow the original recipe but incorporate the vegetables into the mixture of ricotta, eggs, and parmesan. The walnut sauce, thick and creamy, pairs perfectly with the vegetable filling, creating a nutritious and tasty dish, ideal for a Sunday lunch or a special dinner.
Ligurian Stuffed Hearts with Walnut Sauce
The recipe for stuffed hearts finds its most authentic expression in the Ligurian tradition. Here, the hearts are prepared with typical regional ingredients, such as fresh ricotta and aromatic herbs, which give the dish an unmistakable aroma. The walnut sauce, a traditional Ligurian condiment, is made with walnuts, garlic, and oil, and pairs perfectly with the stuffed hearts. For an authentic touch, use Ligurian walnuts, particularly flavorful. This variation not only celebrates Ligurian cuisine but also offers a culinary experience rich in tradition and Mediterranean flavors, making the stuffed hearts a dish to be served with pride on any occasion.
Light Stuffed Hearts with Walnut Sauce
For those who desire a lighter version of the stuffed hearts, it is possible to substitute some ingredients to make them less caloric. Use light ricotta and limit the amount of parmesan without compromising the flavor. Additionally, you can opt for a walnut sauce made with less oil, balancing the flavor with a touch of fresh lemon. This light version maintains the original flavors while reducing calories. Light stuffed hearts can be an ideal choice for those following a balanced diet, allowing you to enjoy a traditional dish without guilt. Remember to pair them with a fresh salad for a complete and light meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Stuffed Hearts with Walnut Sauce
Stuffed hearts with walnut sauce are not only a delicious dish but also offer several nutritional benefits. Ricotta is an excellent source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Walnuts, key ingredients in the sauce, provide omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and heart benefits. The dish is relatively high in calories, with about 350-400 calories per serving, but balanced thanks to the presence of vegetables and dried fruits, which provide fiber and antioxidants. By choosing fresh, quality ingredients, stuffed hearts become not only a pleasure for the palate but also a nutritious option for your menu.
Can Stuffed Hearts with Walnut Sauce be Frozen?
The answer is yes, stuffed hearts with walnut sauce can be frozen without any issues. It is advisable to freeze them before cooking, in order to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. To do this, place the stuffed hearts on a tray and put them in the freezer until they harden. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a food bag, removing the air to prevent freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, simply cook them directly from the freezer, slightly increasing the cooking time. This practice not only allows you to have a meal ready at any time but also preserves the flavor and texture of the original dish.