Indulge in the rich taste of Italy with our traditional ravioli recipe. Delicate pasta pockets filled with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, served with a classic tomato sauce. A true taste of Italy in every bite!

Here's a recipe for traditional Italian ravioli:

Ingredients:

For the pasta dough:

 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

 - 2 large eggs

 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

 - 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed)

For the filling:

 - 1 cup ricotta cheese

 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 - 1 egg

 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

 - Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

 - Your favorite pasta sauce

 - Grated Parmesan cheese

 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions:

Make the pasta dough:

1- On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.

2- Crack the eggs into the well and add salt.

3- Using a fork, gradually mix the eggs into the flour until a dough forms.

4- If the dough is too dry, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

5- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

6- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling:

1- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the ravioli:

1- Divide the dough into two portions. Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface until it's thin but not transparent.

2- Place small spoonfuls of the filling about 1 inch apart on the dough.

3- Brush water around each mound of filling to help seal the ravioli.

4- Place the second portion of dough over the filling and press around each mound to seal.

5- Use a pasta cutter or knife to cut out individual ravioli.

Cook the ravioli:

1- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2- Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

3- Remove the ravioli with a slotted spoon and drain.

Serve:

1- Serve the ravioli with your favorite pasta sauce.

2- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Italian ravioli!

Nutritional Values :

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients in the ravioli recipe per serving:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: 910

  - Fat: 2 g

  - Carbohydrates: 190 g

  - Protein: 12 g

Benefits: Provides energy, complex carbohydrates, and B vitamins; essential for the structure of the pasta.

Large Eggs (2):

  - Calories: 140

  - Fat: 10 g

  - Carbohydrates: 2 g

  - Protein: 12 g

Benefits: High-quality protein, supports muscle repair and growth, provides vitamins A, D, E, and B12.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor; use in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Water (1-2 tablespoons, if needed):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Hydrates the dough; essential for achieving the right consistency.

Filling Ingredients and Their Benefits:

Ricotta Cheese (1 cup):

  - Calories: 300

  - Fat: 24 g

  - Carbohydrates: 6 g

  - Protein: 14 g

Benefits: High in protein and calcium, supports bone health and muscle function.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: ~215

  - Fat: ~14 g

  - Carbohydrates: ~1.5 g

  - Protein: ~19 g

Benefits: Adds rich flavor; high in protein and calcium.

Egg (1):

  - Calories: ~70

  - Fat: ~5 g

  - Carbohydrates: ~1 g

  - Protein: ~6 g

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, vitamins A, D, E, and B12.

Chopped Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 5

  - Fat: 0.1 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 0.5 g

Benefits: Contains vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants; supports bone health and adds freshness.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor (use salt in moderation, pepper adds flavor and antioxidants).

For Serving:

Your Favorite Pasta Sauce (varies by type):

  - Calories: Varies based on ingredients and serving size.

  - Fat: Varies

  - Carbohydrates: Varies

  - Protein: Varies

Benefits: Adds flavor and moisture; nutritional value depends on the sauce.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving):

  - Calories: 22 (per tablespoon)

  - Fat: 1.5 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.2 g

  - Protein: 2 g

Benefits: Adds flavor and a touch of richness; high in protein and calcium.

Fresh Basil Leaves (optional):

  - Calories: 1 (per tablespoon)

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.2 g

  - Protein: 0.1 g

Benefits: Provides vitamins A, C, and K, antioxidants; adds freshness and flavor.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.