Ravioli filled with tofu ricotta is a pasta dish suitable for vegans and its quite simple to prepare at home. The tofu filling has a smooth and creamy texture that resembles traditional dairy ricotta. When combined with pasta pockets and topped with your favorite sauce these raviolis create a satisfying Italian inspired meal.
In this post I will guide you through the process of making tofu ricotta from scratch and using it to craft your very own raviolis. You’ll also pick up tips on how to roll and cut the ravioli perfectly as well as how to cook them just right. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge yourself these plant based pasta pillows are guaranteed to satiate your cravings.
Preparing the Filling
The key to achieving tofu ricotta raviolis lies in the filling itself. By blending high protein tofu, with lemon juice, herbs and other flavorful ingredients you can recreate the tanginess found in traditional dairy ricotta. The filling should be well seasoned, easily spreadable and not excessively wet.
For the ingredients you’ll need;
1 block of extra firm tofu, about 14 ounces, drained and pressed
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
1/4 cup of olive oil
3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
To start make sure to drain the tofu properly and remove any excess moisture. You can do this by placing an object like a cast iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu for at least half an hour. Once thats done you can proceed with the steps.
In a food processor, combine all the ingredients except for the olive oil. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed while blending for an even consistency. With the processor on, slowly add olive oil until the mixture forms a thick paste. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Refrigerate filling up to 3 days in advance.
For assembling raviolis, fresh pasta sheets work best but store-bought wonton or egg roll wrappers can also be used for convenience. Select wrappers without preservatives or additives.
Ingredients;
Wonton or egg roll wrappers
Filling made with tofu ricotta
All purpose flour for dusting
Water for sealing
Instructions;
1. Take a few wrappers at a time. Lay them flat on a lightly floured surface.
2. Place slightly rounded teaspoonfuls of the filling on each wrapper 1 inch away from the edge.
3. Use a pastry brush or your finger to wet the edges with water.
4. Carefully fold the wrapper over to create a triangle shape pressing firmly around the filling to remove any air bubbles.
5. Seal the edges by pressing them with the tines of a fork. If there are any edges trim them with a paring knife or pizza cutter.
6. Repeat these steps until all of the filling has been used, placing the raviolis on a baking sheet that has been lightly dusted with semolina or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Cooking options for raviolis;
Boiling; Bring a pot of salted water to boil and carefully add in the raviolis. Gently. Cook for only 2 3 minutes until they are tender but still have some bite. Drain well.
Pan frying; Heat about ¼ inch of olive oil in a nonstick skillet, over medium high heat.
When the oil is shimmering and hot carefully place the raviolis in a layer without overcrowding them. Let them cook for 2 minutes until the undersides turn golden. Gently flip them over. Fry the other side for an additional minute. Afterward drain them briefly on some paper towels.
If you prefer to bake the raviolis you can arrange them closely together on a baking sheet that has been well oiled. Lightly brush the tops with some olive oil. Then bake them at a temperature of 400°F for approximately 7 10 minutes. This will ensure that they heat up throughout and acquire a browning.
Now lets talk about sauces and serving suggestions! The beauty of raviolis is that they can be paired with various sauces. Classic options like marinara, pesto, brown butter or vodka sauce are always crowd favorites. Alternatively you can keep it simple by topping them with oil, lemon zest toasted pine nuts or walnuts as well as shaved parmesan or nutritional yeast for a lighter meal. Leftover raviolis can also be transformed into appetizers. You just need to reheat them from frozen or fresh in oil or sauce.
Regardless of how you choose to top or serve these tofu ricotta raviolis they will undoubtedly steal the show with their flavor and texture. They strike a balance between smoothness and tenderness while showcasing delightful nutty and herbaceous notes alongside hints of traditional ricotta flavors.. Since they are made using wholesome ingredients without any cholesterol content whatsoever they are an excellent choice, for both vegans and non vegans looking to enjoy a truly homemade meal.
Storing and Preserving Raviolis
To keep raviolis in good condition store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 3 days. If you want to freeze them spread them out in a layer on a baking sheet and let them freeze until solid which usually takes about 2 hours. Then transfer the raviolis into a freezer bag or container that can be sealed tightly making sure to remove any excess air. Frozen raviolis can be stored for 2 3 months at a temperature of 0°F. When its time to cook or boil them there’s no need to thaw beforehand. Just add the raviolis directly into the pot or pan and increase the initial cooking time by 1 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of tofu is recommended?
For the ricotta filling it’s best to use a firm tofu that has been drained and pressed to remove any excess moisture. This will give you the texture when pureed.
Should I add salt to the pasta dough?
Yes adding a teaspoon of salt to your dough enhances its flavor and helps bind everything together. Skipping this step may result in mushy pasta.
How thick should I roll out the pasta dough?
When making dough aim for a thickness similar to that of a playing card or roll it out using setting #5 on most pasta machines. Sheets that are too thin are prone, to tearing while rolling while thicker sheets result in chewier and denser pasta.
What dishes complement ravioli well?In cooking we prefer simple sauces that allow the delicate homemade pasta to shine. Classic options like marinara, pesto, lemon butter, brown butter sage or vodka cream are choices. Additionally heartier vegetable bakes, brodo style soups and one pot pastas perfectly complement the richness of stuffed pasta.
Can I substitute vegan cheese for tofu?
While its possible to use shreds or cubes of vegan mozzarella in ravioli the texture won’t replicate the softness and creaminess of ricotta. For the flavor and meltability nothing beats using tofu ricotta filling.
This comprehensive guide will teach you how to turn ingredients into restaurant quality ravioli in your own kitchen. From blending fillings to sealing delicate pockets of pasta dough the entire process is incredibly rewarding. You can enjoy these vegan ravioli on special occasions or even on a regular weekday! With the techniques making homemade ravioli is an achievable accomplishment for cooks, at any skill level.