When cooking ravioli, both amateur and seasoned cooks can run into a variety of common concerns. Often, they worry about the pasta sticking together, whether the filling is fully cooked, or how to achieve the perfect 'al dente' texture. Usually, putting ravioli into boiling water that isn't salty enough, overcrowding the pot, or not stirring the pasta gently can lead to sticky or mushy ravioli. Achieving the best taste and texture from ravioli requires some understanding of Italian cooking and knowledge of the basic techniques.
With a few kitchen hacks, cooking ravioli can turn into an enjoyable experience with delicious results. Using plenty of water and salt in the pot can help the ravioli to cook evenly and add flavor. Stirring the pasta occasionally and gently can help prevent it from sticking without damaging the delicate pockets. Cooking store-bought frozen ravioli? No need to thaw, you can throw them directly in the boiling water from the freezer, increasing the cooking time a bit. Little known tip: You can even toast ravioli in a skillet for a delightful crispy dish!
When it comes to sauces, it's essential to match the sauce with the filling. Delicate fillings, like cheese or vegetables, are better suited to light, butter or cream-based sauces, while rich meat-filled ravioli can stand up to heartier tomato or ragu sauces. The rule of thumb is that the sauce should complement, not overpower, the filling.
Should I boil or bake ravioli?
Do I need to thaw frozen ravioli before cooking?
How can I prevent my ravioli from sticking together?
How do I know when my ravioli is cooked?
Can I fry ravioli instead of boiling?
What sauce goes best with ravioli?
Should I add oil to the water when cooking ravioli?
Can I use an instant pot to cook ravioli?
How can I make my ravioli more flavorful?
Can I make ravioli from scratch at home?