Goat Cheese Ravioli

This Goat Cheese Ravioli recipe with basil is light, fresh and full of

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Table of Contents

1. What is Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli?
2. How to Make Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli
3. What to Serve with Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli
4. Can You Freeze Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli?
5. Where Did Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli Come From?

What is Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli?

Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli is a delicious pasta dish that combines the tanginess of lemon with the creaminess of goat cheese. It is a unique and refreshing take on traditional ravioli, and it has gained popularity for its bright flavors and creamy texture.

The ravioli is made by filling pasta pockets with a mixture of goat cheese, lemon zest, and other seasonings. The filling is then sealed inside the pasta dough and cooked until tender. The lemon zest adds a zingy freshness to the creamy goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

How to Make Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli

Making Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

For the ravioli filling, you will need:

• Goat cheese
• Lemon zest
• Garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil leaves

For the pasta dough, you will need:

• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Salt

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, combine the goat cheese, lemon zest, minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Finely chop the fresh basil leaves and add them to the mixture, giving it a fragrant and herbaceous flavor.

Make the Pasta Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Add the olive oil. Using a fork, beat the eggs and oil together, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides of the well. Once the dough starts to come together, knead it on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Roll Out the Dough

Divide the rested dough into small portions. Take one portion and flatten it with your hand. Dust the dough with flour and run it through a pasta machine on the widest setting. Fold the dough in half and run it through the machine again. Repeat this process several times, gradually reducing the width setting each time, until the dough is thin and smooth.

Fill and Shape the Ravioli

Place small spoonfuls of the goat cheese filling onto the rolled-out pasta dough, leaving enough space between each spoonful. Brush water around the filling to help seal the ravioli. Lay another sheet of rolled-out pasta dough on top, pressing down gently around the filling to remove any air pockets. Use a ravioli cutter or a knife to cut the ravioli into individual pieces.

Cook the Ravioli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the cooked ravioli with a slotted spoon and drain well.

What to Serve with Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli

Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli can be served as a standalone dish or paired with complementary flavors to create a more complete meal. Here are a few ideas:

Simple Tomato Sauce

Top the ravioli with a simple tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. The acidity of the tomatoes will balance the richness of the goat cheese, creating a harmonious combination of flavors.

Arugula Salad

Serve the ravioli with a refreshing arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula and tangy dressing will complement the lemon and goat cheese flavors in the ravioli.

Roasted Vegetables

Pair the ravioli with a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. The caramelized flavors of the vegetables will add depth to the dish and provide a satisfying contrast in textures.

Can You Freeze Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli?

Yes, you can freeze Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli for later use. To freeze the ravioli, follow these steps:

Cook the Ravioli

Boil the ravioli until they are cooked but still slightly firm. Cooking them fully at this stage will prevent them from becoming mushy when reheated later.

Cool and Arrange

Allow the cooked ravioli to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. This will prevent them from sticking together during freezing.

Freeze

Place the baking sheet with the ravioli in the freezer and freeze until the ravioli are firm, about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing will ensure that the ravioli maintain their shape and don't become misshapen when stored for a longer period.

Transfer to Freezer Bags

Once the ravioli are firm, transfer them to freezer bags or airtight containers. Label the bags with the date and contents for easy reference. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Store in the Freezer

Place the freezer bags in the freezer and store for up to 3 months. Make sure the ravioli are stored in a location where they won't be crushed or damaged.

Thaw and Reheat

To thaw and reheat the frozen ravioli, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, they can be reheated by boiling them in salted water for a few minutes until heated through. Serve with your favorite sauce or accompaniments.

Where Did Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli Come From?

The exact origin of Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli is unclear, as it is a modern twist on traditional ravioli. However, it is believed to have originated in Italy, where ravioli has been a staple dish for centuries.

Ravioli itself can be traced back to the 14th century in Italy, where it was mentioned in medieval texts. The dish has evolved over time, with various fillings and shapes being created to suit different regions and tastes.

The combination of lemon and goat cheese in ravioli is a more recent innovation, likely influenced by the growing popularity of goat cheese in modern cuisine. The tangy and creamy flavor of goat cheese pairs well with the bright acidity of lemon, creating a refreshing and unique filling for ravioli.

Today, Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli can be found on the menus of Italian-inspired restaurants around the world. Its popularity has spread due to its delicious flavor combination and the versatility of the dish.

Conclusion

Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli is a delightful and refreshing pasta dish that combines the tanginess of lemon with the creaminess of goat cheese. Making this dish from scratch allows you to enjoy the process of creating homemade ravioli filled with a flavorful mixture of goat cheese, lemon zest, and herbs.

When serving Lemon and Goat Cheese Ravioli, you can pair it with simple tomato sauce, a refreshing arugula salad, or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. The dish can also be frozen for later use, making it a convenient