Shrimp And Crab Ravioli With Pesto Sauce
Italy is famous for its pasta dishes, and among them, ravioli is one of the most popular. This dish is not only delicious and filling but also highly versatile. You can stuff ravioli with a variety of fillings, from meats to cheeses to vegetables. In this article, we're going to talk about a classic Italian dish that combines seafood and pesto sauce – Shrimp and Crab Ravioli with Pesto Sauce.
The Origin of Ravioli
The history of ravioli can be traced back to the 13th century in Italy. It is believed that ravioli was originally created as a portable meal for travelers. The filling was usually made from cheese, greens, or meat, and the pasta dough was sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart on the journey. Over time, ravioli became a popular dish in Italian households, and many variations of the filling emerged.
Shrimp And Crab Ravioli With Pesto Sauce Recipe
Here's what you'll need to make shrimp and crab ravioli with pesto sauce:
Ravioli Ingredients:
- 1lb. Fresh Pasta
- 4 Egg Yolks
- 1 Whole Egg
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Flour for dusting
- 6 oz. Crab Meat
- 6 oz. Shrimp
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/4 tsp. Black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. Red pepper flakes
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 Egg
- 1/4 cup Chives, sliced
Pesto Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Pine Nuts, toasted
- 3 cloves Garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
1. To make the ravioli dough, combine the flour, salt, egg yolks, whole egg, and water in a bowl. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and let it rest in the fridge for an hour.
2. To make the filling, combine the crab meat, shrimp, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, and chives in a bowl. Mix well.
3. Roll out the pasta dough and cut into small squares. Spoon a small amount of filling onto each square, fold over, and seal the edges with a fork.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
5. To make the pesto sauce, blend the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the ravioli with the pesto sauce, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped chives.
Tips for Making Perfect Ravioli
Making homemade ravioli may seem daunting, but with the right techniques, it can be easy. Here are some tips to help you make perfect ravioli:
- Use fresh pasta dough – it's more pliable and easier to work with.
- Don't overfill the ravioli – it can cause them to burst during cooking.
- Seal the edges well – use a fork to crimp the edges and prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Boil the ravioli in plenty of salted water – this will prevent them from sticking together.
- Be creative with the filling – try different ingredients and flavor combinations to make your ravioli unique.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Crab Ravioli with Pesto Sauce is a delicious and filling Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in some comfort food, this recipe is sure to please. With fresh pasta, succulent seafood, and aromatic pesto sauce, it's a dish that will transport you straight to Italy.
