You may be thinking of ravioli as either a soft, pillow-y pasta pouch stuffed with some cheesy, herb-y, or meaty filling. Now imagine taking that classic recipe and giving it a tangy, one-of-a-kind twist by incorporating sourdough into the dough. Sounds interesting. That, in fact, is what makes the sourdough ravioli recipe so lovely! The sourdough flavor complements the richness of this ravioli to a whole new dimension of complexity that will blow your mind.
You can make this dish at home more easily than you may realize. With a handful of ingredients and some basic techniques, you can make an unforgettable meal that is all at once relaxed and sophisticated. So whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner, treating yourself to something special at the table, or bringing everyone together (or sequestering one of your own), sourdough ravioli fits all occasions. If you love homemade pasta, you’ve got to try this, and it will undoubtedly be added to the rotation.
It’s a little like making regular ravioli, but with added notes of flavor from the sourdough that you’ll love. Blanket it in minimal tomato sauce or a rich butter sauce, and you have an easy and elegant dish. And if you are a pasta lover, make sure to visit my Homemade Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli recipe for yet another delicious pasta option!
What is Sourdough Ravioli?
You may be asking yourself, “What even is sourdough ravioli?” OK, so call it some ravioli, then pasta dough filled with something tasty. But the thing that makes this recipe special is that it also incorporates a sourdough starter into the dough. The naturally secondary-fermented sourdough adds a tanginess to the pasta, which complements the filling” yards inside. This salad is the best of both worlds, filling and light all at once.
And why this sourdough ravioli, you ask? It’s all about the dough! Replace regular pasta ingredients with sourdough starter, and you provide a new face to old traditions. The sourdough’s tanginess is a nice contrast for this savory filling. And, as they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” so this rav will indeed be wooing hearts on your dinner table. Ready to try something new? Try it, and you’ll see why this dish is becoming a family favorite in my house.
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Ravioli Recipe
Here are three key reasons why sourdough ravioli will become your go-to pasta recipe:
- Tangy Flavor: The sourdough dough adds a deliciously unique flavor to the ravioli, making it stand out from the typical pasta dishes you know and love. It brings a depth of flavor to each bite that you can’t get with regular ravioli dough.
- Cost-Effective and Homemade: While store-bought ravioli can get expensive, making this sourdough ravioli at home is not only fun but also budget-friendly. With simple ingredients, you can create a fresh and flavorful dish without breaking the bank.
- Customizable Fillings: The beauty of ravioli is in the filling! You can customize it with cheese, vegetables, meats, or even a combination of all three. Whether you prefer classic cheese ravioli or a more savory meat-filled version, the sourdough dough will complement any filling perfectly.
If you love sourdough, don’t miss out on this recipe. And if you’re looking for other delicious homemade pasta ideas, check out my Homemade Gnocchi for a comforting meal that’s just as satisfying!
How to Make Sourdough Ravioli
Quick Overview
Sourdough ravioli is way easier and faster than you think! The dough is easy to prepare in a few quick steps, and the filling can be adapted according to your taste. After you’ve made the dough, it’s just a question of rolling it out and slicing the ravioli before boiling them to firm perfection. Your total prep time is about 1 hour, which is definitely worth a homemade meal that packs a punch of flavor.
Key Ingredients for Sourdough Ravioli:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of sourdough starter (discard or active)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Water (as needed to adjust dough consistency)
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of cooked spinach (drained)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)
Tip: You can substitute the ricotta with cooked, seasoned ground beef, mushrooms, or any other favorite filling of your choice.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Serve:
Serve your sourdough ravioli with your favorite sauce—whether it’s a simple tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo, or just a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sourdough starter, egg, olive oil, and salt. Stir until the mixture begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes a smooth and elastic dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and pliable. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the filling is smooth.
Roll the Dough:
After resting, roll the dough out on a floured surface until it’s thin, about 1/8 inch thick. Use a ravioli mold or a cookie cutter to cut the dough into squares. If you don’t have a mold, simply cut the dough into equal squares using a knife.
Fill and Seal the Ravioli:
Place a small spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center of each ravioli square. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure the ravioli is sealed tightly.
Cook the Ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them carefully with a slotted spoon.
What to Serve Sourdough Ravioli With
This ravioli pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces and side dishes. Try serving it with:
Garlic Bread: Who can resist a side of warm, garlic-infused bread to mop up that extra sa
A Fresh Tomato Sauce: A tangy tomato sauce is the perfect match for the sourdough flavor.
Brown Butter and Sage: This classic combination is rich and fragrant, complementing the ravioli’s tangy dough.
A Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette can balance the richness of the ravioli.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sourdough Ravioli
Use Fresh Sourdough Starter: If you have a fresh, bubbly sourdough starter, it will provide the best flavor and texture for your dough.
Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s easy to roll out and shape.
Don’t Overfill the Ravioli: Use just a small spoonful of filling to avoid the ravioli bursting open during cooking.
Use a Ravioli Mold: If you don’t have a ravioli mold, you can use a cookie cutter or just cut the dough into squares. Just make sure the edges are sealed tightly.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Reheating: To reheat cooked ravioli, simply warm them in a saucepan with a bit of sauce, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover ravioli, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Ravioli: To freeze uncooked ravioli, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can cook frozen ravioli directly from the freezer by adding a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time.
Health Benefits of Sourdough Ravioli
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Rich in Protein | The ricotta filling provides a good source of protein, especially if you add meat. |
| Low in Sugar | This recipe is naturally low in sugar, making it a better choice than store-bought alternatives. |
| Good for Digestive Health | Sourdough’s fermentation process supports gut health due to the probiotics it contains. |
| Customizable to Dietary Preferences | You can easily adjust this recipe to be vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb by altering the filling or dough. |
Sourdough Ravioli Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin or pasta machine
- Ravioli mold or cookie cutter
- Slotted spoon
- Pot for boiling
- Fork for sealing ravioli
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter discard or active
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Water as needed
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked spinach drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sourdough starter, egg, olive oil, and salt. Mix until it forms a dough. If the dough is too dry, add water, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and elastic. Knead for 5 minutes, cover, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until smooth.
- Roll the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a ravioli mold or a knife to cut into squares.
- Fill and Seal: Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each ravioli square. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together. Seal the edges with a fork.
- Cook the Ravioli: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they float to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Serve: Serve with your favorite sauce, whether it’s tomato, brown butter and sage, or a creamy sauce.
Notes
- Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes for easier rolling and better texture.
- Filling Variations: Customize the filling by adding meat, mushrooms, or other vegetables.
- Freezing Ravioli: Lay uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen.
- Sauce Options: Sourdough ravioli pairs well with a simple tomato sauce, brown butter with sage, or even a garlic butter sauce.
Conclusion
Sourdough ravioli is quite an original and tasty variation of the classic Italian dish. By using a tangy dough and an adaptable filling, it represents a thrilling push for the frontier of home pasta-making. Whether you’re a pro at making sauces, new to the kitchen, or looking for something new to try, this recipe is easy and a showstopper. So, now that you know it’s time to try and taste this yummy ravioli! Happy cooking!