Imagine a delicate parcel of spinach and ricotta, lightly seasoned and bathed in a rich tomato sauce. This is the essence of 'Ravioli Nudi', or 'naked ravioli'. This Italian dish, stripped of its traditional pasta shell, allows the filling to shine and your taste buds to experience a burst of flavors. It's simple to make and comforting to eat, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or an impressive entrée for guests.
The ingredients for this recipe are generally common and can be found in any supermarket. However, ricotta cheese and nutmeg may not be a staple in every kitchen. Ricotta is a creamy Italian cheese that adds a lovely texture and flavor to the dish. Nutmeg adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor which complements the spinach very well. Remember to pick up fresh spinach and basil for this recipe, as the fresh version of these ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
Ingredients for Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and spinach. It also adds a mild flavor to the tomato sauce.
Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce.
Spinach: The main ingredient for the ravioli filling. It's cooked down and mixed with cheeses and seasonings.
Salt: Used to season the spinach and the tomato sauce.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor to the tomato sauce.
Tomato puree: Forms the base of the sauce. It's simmered with seasonings to develop a rich flavor.
Water: Used to thin out the tomato sauce to the desired consistency.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and flavor to the tomato sauce.
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy element to the tomato sauce.
Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the tomato sauce.
Ricotta: Provides a creamy texture to the ravioli filling.
Parmesan: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the ravioli filling.
Eggs: Binds the ravioli filling ingredients together.
Lemon zest: Adds a tangy note to the ravioli filling, complementing the spinach and cheese.
Nutmeg: Enhances the flavor of the spinach in the ravioli filling.
Cayenne: Adds a hint of spiciness to the ravioli filling.
Flour: Helps to firm up the ravioli filling, allowing it to hold its shape when cooked.
One reader, Francesca Call says:
This ravioli nudi in tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer! The spinach and ricotta dumplings are so flavorful and the tomato sauce is the perfect complement. It's a delightful and satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to make. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and comforting meal.
Techniques Required for Making Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce
How to sauté onions and spinach: Sauté the onions in a large frying pan with oil over moderate heat until translucent. Then, add the spinach and salt, and cook until no liquid remains in the pan. Drain and press all remaining liquid from the spinach.
How to make tomato sauce: In a pan, sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, tomato puree, water, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in butter and basil.
How to make ravioli nudi dough: Combine cooked spinach, ricotta, parmesan, eggs, lemon zest, nutmeg, cayenne, and flour in a bowl. Use two tablespoons to form walnut-sized dumplings and cook in simmering water for about 3 minutes until firm. Drain and serve with tomato sauce.
How To Make Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce
This ravioli nudi is a light gnocchi-like Italian dish with a delicious filling made of spinach, cheese, and spices, served with a savory tomato sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil
- 2onions
- 2lbsspinach
- 1½tspsalt
- 1garlic clove
- 15oztomato puree,(1 can, or 1 cup)
- ½cupwater
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1tbspbutter
- 1tbspfresh basil,or parsley, chopped
- ¾cupricotta
- ¼cupparmesan,grated
- 2eggs
- 1lemon zest,grated
- 1tspnutmeg,grated
- 1tspcayenne
- 3½tbspflour
Instructions
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In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately low heat. Add ½ of the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until translucent.
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Increase the heat to moderately high and add the spinach and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring, for about 10 minutes until no liquid remains in the pan. Drain and press all remaining liquid from the spinach.
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In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over moderately low heat. Add the remaining onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
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Stir in the tomato puree, water, pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the butter and basil and cover to keep warm.
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Bring a medium pot of salted water to a simmer.
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In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta, parmesan, eggs, lemon zest, nutmeg, cayenne, and flour.
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Using 2 tablespoons, drop walnut-sized dumplings into the simmering water. Cook for about 3 minutes until firm. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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Serve with tomato sauce, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Wine Recommendation: Tomatoes require a high-acid wine, while earthy spinach is best with one that has bright, uncomplicated fruit sounds like barbera, but no oak.
Nutrition
- Calories: 376.73kcal
- Fat: 21.72g
- Saturated Fat: 9.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.04g
- Carbohydrates: 30.29g
- Fiber: 8.88g
- Sugar: 8.78g
- Protein: 21.13g
- Cholesterol: 117.65mg
- Sodium: 1221.47mg
- Calcium: 505.65mg
- Potassium: 1786.83mg
- Iron: 8.54mg
- Vitamin A: 1220.37µg
- Vitamin C: 82.72mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Ravioli Nudi
When preparing the spinach, ensure to drain and press out all the remaining liquid thoroughly. This step is crucial as it prevents the ravioli nudi from becoming too soggy. Additionally, when dropping the dumplings into the simmering water, do it gently to maintain their shape. Remember, they only need about 3 minutes to cook until firm. Overcooking can make them fall apart.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the spinach and cheese filling a day in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use store-bought tomato sauce: Opt for a good quality store-bought tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch to cut down on prep time.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of ravioli nudi and freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal on another day.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, organize all the ingredients and equipment to streamline the cooking process.
Enlist help: If possible, get a friend or family member to assist with the preparation to make the process more efficient.
Multi-task: While the tomato sauce is simmering, work on preparing the ravioli nudi to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Invest in tools: Consider investing in a ravioli mold or press to speed up the process of shaping the ravioli nudi.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and equipment as you progress through the recipe to minimize clutter and save time during cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a slightly different texture and flavor while still complementing the dish.
ricotta - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, providing a similar salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs, providing binding properties in the recipe.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour, catering to dietary restrictions or preferences.
Presentation Tips for Ravioli Nudi
Elevate the plating: When presenting the ravioli nudi, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use clean, white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to pop. Arrange the ravioli nudi in a circular pattern, drizzle the tomato sauce around the edges, and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil for a touch of elegance.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by sprinkling a pinch of finely grated parmesan over the ravioli nudi. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delicate crunch to each bite, providing a delightful contrast to the soft and pillowy dumplings.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each ravioli nudi on the plate, ensuring that they are evenly spaced and presented with care. The attention to detail will showcase your culinary expertise and dedication to precision.
Highlight the colors: Showcase the vibrant green hue of the spinach-filled ravioli nudi against the rich, red tomato sauce. The striking color contrast will captivate the eyes of the diners and create an inviting visual appeal.
Add a finishing touch: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the dish to impart a subtle richness and shine. This final touch adds a layer of complexity and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Ravioli Nudi
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Large frying pan: A larger version of a frying pan, suitable for cooking larger quantities of food.
- Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquids to drain while lifting solid foods.
- Medium pot: A pot of medium size, typically used for boiling or simmering liquids and cooking small quantities of food.
- Medium bowl: A bowl of moderate size, used for mixing ingredients or serving dishes.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing salads.
Storing and Freezing Ravioli Nudi for Later
To store leftover ravioli nudi in the refrigerator, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you have extra tomato sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan before serving with the ravioli nudi.
For longer storage, you can freeze the ravioli nudi. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the ravioli nudi to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To freeze the tomato sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and label the container with the date. The sauce will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen ravioli nudi, cook them directly from the freezer in a pot of simmering water until they float to the surface and are heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Do not thaw them before cooking, as this may cause them to fall apart.
To reheat the frozen tomato sauce, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
How To Reheat Leftover Ravioli Nudi
To reheat leftover ravioli nudi in tomato sauce, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat will ensure that the delicate ricotta filling doesn't overcook or become grainy.
Place the leftover ravioli nudi in a baking dish and spoon the tomato sauce over them, making sure each dumpling is well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out slightly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to trap the moisture and prevent the ravioli nudi from drying out during the reheating process.
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the ravioli nudi are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. The exact time will depend on the size of your dumplings and the depth of your baking dish.
If you prefer a slightly crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. This will allow the parmesan cheese to melt and brown slightly, adding a nice texture contrast to the soft ravioli nudi.
Once the ravioli nudi are heated through, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Garnish the reheated ravioli nudi with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, if desired. The bright, fresh flavor of the basil will complement the rich tomato sauce and tender ricotta dumplings perfectly.
Serve the reheated ravioli nudi in tomato sauce immediately, while they're still hot and the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Interesting Fact About Ravioli Nudi
The ravioli nudi in tomato sauce recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of spinach and ricotta with a tangy tomato sauce. This dish is a great source of vitamins and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a nutritious meal. The lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus flavor to the dish, complementing the richness of the ricotta and the earthiness of the spinach. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish as a main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite Italian meal.
Is Making Ravioli Nudi at Home Cost-Effective?
This ravioli nudi in tomato sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as spinach, ricotta, and tomato puree, are affordable and readily available. The dish offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a budget-friendly yet satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce Healthy?
The ravioli nudi in tomato sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish, thanks to the inclusion of nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, and ricotta cheese. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while ricotta cheese offers a good amount of protein and calcium. The use of olive oil, a healthy fat, is another positive aspect of this recipe.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe to lower the sodium content
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content
- Incorporate more vegetables, such as diced carrots or bell peppers, into the tomato sauce to boost the nutrient profile
To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-fat ricotta cheese to reduce the overall fat content
- Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient intake
- Opt for a whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles as an alternative to the ravioli nudi to increase the fiber content and reduce the carbohydrate intake
- Use fresh herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to add flavor without increasing the sodium content
Editor's Thoughts on Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce
The recipe for ravioli nudi in tomato sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish. The combination of spinach, ricotta, and parmesan creates a rich and creamy filling for the ravioli nudi, while the tangy tomato sauce adds a perfect balance of acidity. The addition of nutmeg and cayenne provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. The cooking instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for home cooks. Overall, this dish is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional ravioli, featuring a flavorful combination of spinach, ricotta, and parmesan for a rich and satisfying filling. The vibrant tomato puree is simmered to perfection, infusing the dish with a burst of tangy sweetness. The addition of nutmeg and cayenne adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, elevating the overall taste experience. With carefully curated ingredients such as fresh basil and lemon zest, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of textures and aromas that will surely delight the palate.
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