Ravioli are two small squares of flat pasta, sealed at the edges to make a small pillow, and stuffed inside with a filling. The edges may be flat or ruffled; round ones are also made now. The pasta used is an egg-based dough.
The filling used to be just ricotta cheese, or spinach, but now the sky is the limit. Usually served with very simple sauces, as the interest is inside the pasta.
Ravioli pasta shouldn’t be confused with Neapolitan Ravioli. In Naples, they make a huge, square pie filled with spinach and ricotta, which is served in slices, and also called Ravioli.
Cooking Tips
Cook no more than directed by recipe or package, as will fall apart after that.
Substitutes
Other stuffed pasta such as Tortellini.