Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli: A Gourmet Delight

Homemade four cheese ravioli is a true Italian classic, perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home. Making ravioli from scratch may seem daunting, but with a bit of practice and patience, you can create delicious, restaurant-quality pasta in your own kitchen. This detailed recipe will guide you through the process of making homemade pasta dough, preparing the four cheese filling, and assembling the ravioli. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Benefits:

1. Gourmet Flavor: The combination of four cheeses creates a rich and decadent filling.
2. Fresh Ingredients: Homemade pasta has a superior taste and texture compared to store-bought versions.
3. Customizable: Adjust the cheeses and seasonings to suit your preferences.
4. Impressive: Serve this dish to impress guests or elevate a family dinner.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)

For the Four Cheese Filling:

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce (Optional):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Create a Well: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the eggs and olive oil to the well.
3. Mix the Dough: Using a fork, gradually mix the flour into the eggs and oil until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Four Cheese Filling

1. Combine Cheeses: In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and gorgonzola cheeses.
2. Add Egg Yolk and Seasonings: Stir in the egg yolk, minced garlic, chopped basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Mix Well: Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pasta Dough

1. Divide the Dough: Divide the rested pasta dough into four equal portions.
2. Roll the Dough: Using a pasta machine or a rolling pin, roll out each portion of dough into thin sheets, about 1/16 inch thick. If using a pasta machine, start with the thickest setting and gradually work your way down to the thinnest setting.

Step 4: Assemble the Ravioli

1. Place the Filling: Lay one sheet of pasta on a lightly floured surface. Place teaspoon-sized mounds of the cheese filling about 1 inch apart on the sheet.
2. Brush with Water: Lightly brush water around the filling mounds.
3. Top with Another Sheet: Lay a second sheet of pasta over the first, pressing gently around each mound to seal.
4. Cut the Ravioli: Use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut out individual ravioli squares. Press the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed.
5. Repeat: Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 5: Cook the Ravioli

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Ravioli: Gently add the ravioli to the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the ravioli float to the surface and are tender.
3. Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli and transfer to a serving platter.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Serve

1. Plate the Ravioli: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cooked ravioli.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade four cheese ravioli!

Tips for Perfect Ravioli

1. Roll the Dough Thinly

• Thin Sheets: Roll the pasta dough as thinly as possible without tearing. This ensures tender, delicate ravioli.

2. Avoid Overfilling

• Moderate Filling: Use just enough filling to taste the cheeses without overstuffing the ravioli, which can cause them to burst during cooking.

3. Seal the Edges Well

• Prevent Leaks: Make sure to seal the edges of the ravioli well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Customizing Your Four Cheese Ravioli

Variations:

• Different Cheeses: Substitute or add different cheeses such as fontina, goat cheese, or asiago.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling for varied flavors.
• Vegetable Additions: Add finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers to the cheese filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make the pasta dough.
• Vegan: Use a vegan pasta dough recipe and substitute the cheese filling with a vegan cheese blend.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for a complete meal.

Drinks:

• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the rich cheese filling.
• Red Wine: A light red wine like Pinot Noir pairs well with the ravioli.

Dessert:

• Tiramisu: End the meal with a classic Italian dessert like tiramisu.
• Gelato: A scoop of gelato is a refreshing way to finish the meal.

Storing and Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen without thawing.

Reheating:

• Boil: Reheat refrigerated ravioli by briefly boiling them until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave with a bit of sauce, covered, until hot.

Conclusion

Making homemade four cheese ravioli is a rewarding culinary project that yields delicious, restaurant-quality results. With a rich and creamy cheese filling and tender pasta, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, homemade ravioli is a true delight. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Share your experience and any customizations you made in the comments below!