Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Lisa Keys
My best homemade ravioli recipe is an authentic Italian pasta dough filled with a mixture of ricotta, parmigiana reggianno and mozzarella cheeses. The dough contains the traditional semolina flour which is necessary for strength and texture. I roll the dough thinly on a pasta machine. #6 on a hand cranked Marcato to insure the dough is thin enough, but not so delicate that it causes me grief.
There will always be days that cause more grief than others. Holidays and anniversaries are particularly hard for some, but for me it is the month of April. April is bittersweet; the time of one of my greatest joys and definitely my greatest sorrow. William died on the 16th of April just 6 days shy of his 23rd birthday. It has been 3 years since Will's accident. Where do I go from here? Where do you go from here?
Those in mourning have two choices as I see it. Remain in the never changing deep dark hole or adapt and develop an amazing strength (we all have it) to continue the climb up and out. The transformation is not perfect, but allows one to move forward. It is the honorable thing to do. It is what your loved one wants IMHO.
Speaking of family and honor my father would always tell me that the best thing about me is being Italian. So to honor my mom and dad today I will share my mom's best recipe. She always made these ravioli for Easter and they were created on a board that my grandpa Matino made for her. I make them now on that same board. It is my honor to share my best homemade ravioli recipe with all of you.
How to mix and shape homemade ravioli
Ravioli
Ingredients
DOUGH
- 1 ½ cups semolina flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
FILLING
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- ¼ pound shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the dough: Mix flour and salt on work surface forming a well.
- Drop eggs, 1 tablespoon of water and oil in center. Beat lightly with a fork and combine egg mixture and flour together, adding enough water gradually to form dough.
- Knead dough until smooth; cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Using a pasta machine, according to manufacturer directions, cut and roll dough into thin sheets.
- In large bowl, mix all filling ingredients together; blend well.
- Drop spoonfuls of filling about 1 ½-inches apart on 1 sheet of dough.
- Cover with another sheet of dough.
- With fingertips press dough around each spoonful of filling being careful not to make any air pockets.
- Cut into squares with a crimped rotary cutter.
- When ready to serve drop ravioli into salted boiling water; cook until tender.
- They will float. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Danielle @ the Growing Foodie
I don't think you glorify your son - there are lots of real moments in these posts 🙂 I love making homemade ravioli but the history in your making of it must make them taste all the better - what kind of filling did you put in? Thinking about you always, but especially this month!
lisakeys64
It is an all cheese filling--see it above? I am not a big fan of meat or seafood ravioli, but I did recently have a squash filling and a charred spring onion which was great. When it comes to my William I am trying to be as objective as possible. Thanks for the comment!
Eileen Gunning Coffey
Lisa, I remember you from WHS and I am a good friend of your brother Peter. I think that this is such a wonderful thing that you are doing in remembrance of your son Will. I have two boys and I can't even begin to think about losing even one of them. He looked like a great kid. Keep his memory going any way that helps you get through it! Cooking is wonderful therapy. Stay strong and you are in my prayers.
lisakeys64
Thanks, Eileen. I appreciate you stopping by.
Louis Matino (@LouMatino)
Being Italian is great but it is far from the best thing about you.
lisakeys64
Thank you, Louis. You know how proud your father was about his heritage and hard work ethic.
Fran Matino Homicki
Lisa you are everything that your parents bragged about. I'll say it again "your amazing". I know that William will always be special in your heart. Looking at the pictures of you and William - there is so much love between you. I'm sure he too thought you were amazing! I think of you often! Take care! Love You!!!
lisakeys64
Thanks, Fran. Yes, lots of love. Just always so happy to be with him. We have an amazing family far and wide. I love you, too.
Wendy Doremus
Dear Lisa, Will's integrity has everything to do with how wonderful you and Bill have been as parents and human beings. PS I had to google IMHO (I am not as hip as you!). XO Wendy
lisakeys64
Thanks, Wendy. Yes, we all did pretty good job as parents.
katiebonken
Emotional post and your ravioli looks perfect!
lisakeys64
difficult stuff to write about--not the typical food blog