Crafting the Dough
The foundation of any great ravioli is a well-made pasta dough, and this recipe offers a fantastic eggless alternative. You'll begin by combining 2 cups
of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a generous mixing bowl. Then, incorporate 1/2 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring until a rustic, shaggy dough begins to take shape. Transfer this mixture to a lightly floured surface and commence kneading. Dedicate 5 to 7 minutes to this process, ensuring the dough becomes wonderfully smooth and develops a pleasant elasticity. Once ready, cover the dough with a damp cloth and allow it to rest for a crucial 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough much easier to handle and roll out for your ravioli.
Whipping Up the Filling
The heart of these ravioli lies in its vibrant and simple filling. You'll need 1 cup of finely chopped fresh spinach, which provides a lovely color and earthy flavor. Combine this with 1 cup of crumbled cottage cheese, adding a creamy and slightly tangy dimension to the mixture. To enhance the savory notes, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Seasoning is kept straightforward yet effective with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and another 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Ensure all these components are thoroughly mixed together in a medium-sized bowl, creating a harmonious blend that will perfectly complement the pasta.
Assembling Your Ravioli
With your dough rested and filling prepared, it's time for the assembly. Begin by dividing the prepared pasta dough into two equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it forms a thin sheet, aiming for a thickness of approximately 1/16th of an inch. Next, carefully place spoonfuls of the spinach and cottage cheese filling onto this sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Now, take the second portion of dough and roll it out to a similar thinness. Gently lay this second sheet of dough over the mounds of filling. Press down firmly around each portion of filling to effectively seal the ravioli, ensuring no gaps. Finally, use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut out individual ravioli shapes. Ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking.
Cooking and Serving
The final stage involves cooking your homemade ravioli to perfection. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. With great care, gently introduce the assembled ravioli into the boiling water. They typically require only 3 to 5 minutes to cook. You'll know they are ready when they gracefully float to the surface of the water. Once cooked, carefully drain the ravioli from the water. Serve them immediately, piping hot, with your preferred sauce. Whether you opt for a classic marinara, a vibrant pesto, or a rich Alfredo sauce, these eggless ravioli are sure to be a hit.
