Indulge your taste buds with a luxurious twist on a classic Italian favorite: Crab and Goat Cheese Ravioli! This exquisite dish combines the delicate sweetness of jumbo lump crab meat with the creamy tang of goat cheese, all wrapped in tender pasta sheets. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Ready to elevate your dining experience? Let’s dive into the delightful world of homemade ravioli that promises to tantalize your palate and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package fresh pasta sheets
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 package of fresh pasta sheets, 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese, 1/2 cup of jumbo lump crab meat, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled goat cheese, jumbo lump crab meat, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until they are well incorporated. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much; you want to maintain some larger chunks for texture.
- Once the filling is ready, lay out the fresh pasta sheets on a clean, dry surface. If the sheets are too long, you can cut them into manageable lengths, about 12 inches long.
- Take a teaspoon of the crab and goat cheese filling and place it in the center of each pasta sheet, leaving enough space between each mound to allow for sealing.
- With a pastry brush or your finger, lightly moisten the edges of the pasta sheets with water. This will help the pasta seal properly.
- Carefully fold the pasta over the filling to create a pocket, pressing down around the edges to seal. Make sure there are no air pockets inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to ensure a tight seal.
- Once all the ravioli are filled and sealed, bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Be sure to add enough salt to the water, as this will season the pasta.
- Carefully add the ravioli to the boiling water, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface and are al dente.
- While the ravioli are cooking, you can prepare a simple sauce. In a separate pan, you can melt some butter over medium heat and add a bit of lemon juice and fresh parsley for flavor.
- Once the ravioli are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot and transfer them to the pan with the butter sauce. Gently toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat them evenly.
- Serve the crab and goat cheese ravioli warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian dish!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The success of your ravioli lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh pasta sheets and high-quality crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding the filling to the pasta sheets, be careful not to overfill them. A teaspoon of filling is usually enough; too much can make sealing difficult and lead to bursting during cooking.
- Seal Properly: Ensure that the edges of the ravioli are well-sealed to prevent water from entering and to keep the filling intact. Use water to moisten the edges and crimp them with a fork for a secure seal.
- Cook in Batches: To avoid overcrowding, cook the ravioli in batches. This allows them to cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Taste the Water: When boiling the pasta, your water should be salty like the sea. This step is crucial as it flavors the pasta itself.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and cracked black pepper not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your dish.
- Experiment with Sauces: While a simple butter sauce works beautifully, feel free to experiment with different sauces like a light cream sauce or a citrus-infused olive oil for a unique twist.
- Serve Immediately: Ravioli are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so serve them right after cooking to experience their full flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
