Heartshaped Ricotta Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what the most romantic dinner recipes for two are? This Heart Shaped Meals recipe is your answer! Imagine serving delicious Valentines food that is absolutely bursting with flavour.

It is a mix of creamy cheese and nutty brown butter.

Brief Overview

This dish of heart shaped ricotta ravioli with sage brown butter sauce hails from the classic Italian tradition. This recipe elevates it to something truly special for Valentine's.

It is a medium difficulty recipe taking about an hour. It yields two servings, perfect for a romantic meal.

Main Benefits

This recipe uses ricotta cheese, which is packed with protein and calcium. This makes it a relatively healthy indulgence. It’s ideal for a special Valentines Day dinner ideas .

The heart shape and delicious taste make it truly special. You could even prepare Valentines French Toast the day after with the remaining ingredients!

The Magic of Heart Shaped Ravioli

Okay, let's be honest. Who doesn't love a bit of amore on Valentine's Day? I remember one year, I tried making a fancy dessert.

It ended up looking like something out of a horror movie. That's why this year, I'm all about simple elegance, like this Food Heart Shape ravioli.

These adorable little pillows of pasta filled with creamy ricotta and parmesan will make your heart sing! And, bonus points, the Sage brown butter sauce recipe is so easy.

From My Kitchen to Yours: Why This Recipe Works

I love this recipe for Homemade pasta for Valentine's Day because it feels fancy without being fussy. You know? It's the kind of dish that says, "I put in effort, but I'm not trying too hard.

" Plus, that sage brown butter sauce? Oh my gosh! It's like liquid gold. One time, I accidentally burnt the butter, and the whole thing went down the drain.

Don't let that happen to you, keep a close eye, and you’ll be rewarded with golden brown sauce, with some italian flavours which makes it the perfect addition for your Italian Valentine's Day menu .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Valentines Food Masterpiece

Okay, so you're ready to dive headfirst into this Heart Shaped Ricotta Ravioli adventure? Awesome! This Valentines Food is all about love (and deliciousness).

Let's make sure you've got everything you need to impress your special someone. Honestly, a great Valentines Day dinner ideas can be simple if it is made with love!

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Alright, let's talk about the stars of our show. Precision is key here, but don't stress too much if you're a bit off.

• Pasta Dough:

  • 200g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting!
  • 2 large eggs Free range if you can find them, you know?
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil The good stuff!
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt A pinch of magic.
  • 2-4 tablespoons water Add slowly until a dough forms.

• Ricotta Filling:

  • 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese Whole milk, drained! The creamier, the better.
  • 50g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese Freshly grated! None of that pre-shredded stuff, okay?
  • 1 large egg yolk Adds richness!
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Freshly grated, because why not?
  • Salt and pepper To taste!

• Sage Brown Butter Sauce:

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter Good quality is crucial!
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves Fresh is best! But dried will do in a pinch.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For serving!
  • Salt and pepper To taste!

For the ricotta, if you can find the good stuff from an Italian deli, snag it! It makes all the difference.

Quality ricotta should be creamy, not watery. The Homemade pasta for Valentine's Day will be the best thing that you did!

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs

Let's make this sauce sing. Sage and butter? A match made in heaven. The sage brings this earthy warmth. Salt and pepper are your best friends!

If you don't have fresh sage, don't panic. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried sage. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, but it's totally optional.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen.

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin or pasta machine - a bottle will do as alternative
• Heart shaped cookie cutter or ravioli stamp. Food Heart Shape is mandatory
• Large pot
• Slotted spoon or spider

Honestly, if you don't have a pasta machine, a rolling pin and a bit of elbow grease work just fine. I've done it many times. The valentines food won't be affected.

Valentines French Toast , while yummy, doesn't always cut it for dinner. These tools will.

Now you're ready to create some Italian Valentine's Day menu magic! Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Boiling Our Valentines Food to Perfection

Right, let's talk boiling. Honestly, it seems simple, yeah? You just chuck something in water and hope for the best? Not quite, love.

There's a bit more to it, especially when you're aiming for perfect Valentines Day dinner ideas and don't want to mess up your Heart Shaped Meals !

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place for Boiling

First things first: get your act together. That's your mise en place , innit? Chop everything you need. Measure your salt.

Have your spider or slotted spoon at the ready. Why? Because when that water's bubbling, you ain't got time to be faffing about.

Trust me, I've been there, done that, got the slightly soggy t-shirt. And for goodness sake, remember boiling water burns, so watch those fingers!

step-by-step: Boiling Like a Pro

1. Fill a pot with enough water to cover your food.
2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add salt. Honestly, season that water like the sea!
3. Gently add your food to the boiling water. Be careful, splashes are no fun.
4. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, not a crazy boil.
5. Cook until done. Test for doneness with a fork or skewer. For pasta, we are looking for 3- 5 minutes , or until the ravioli float to the top.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Boiling Game

Want to be a boiling boss? Here's the goss:

• Don't overcrowd the pot! It lowers the water temperature and things cook unevenly.
• Keep an eye on the heat. Too high, things get bashed about. Too low, they get sad and soggy. For Heart Shaped Meals , especially if you're making Homemade pasta for Valentine's Day , you don't want mushy hearts!
• Salt the water after it boils. Otherwise, it takes ages to heat up. I learned that one the hard way.

Honestly, proper boiling can make all the difference, especially when you're prepping romantic dinner recipes for two . Get it right, and your sage brown butter sauce recipe will be the star! You got this.

Easy Valentine's Day recipes don't have to be boring!

If you're doing Valentines French Toast , you don't even need boiling!

Recipe Notes for Your Romantic Masterpiece

Right, so you're about to embark on this Heart Shaped Meals adventure! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your valentines food experience smoother than a Barry White song.

Plating like a Pro for your Valentines Day Dinner Ideas

Honestly, presentation is key for a Romantic dinner recipes for two . Think about it: these are food heart shape , so showcase them! Arrange the ravioli artfully on the plate.

A drizzle of extra sage brown butter sauce recipe never hurts. A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Chef's kiss . Serve with a simple side salad.

A little green goes a long way. Don't forget a good bottle of wine. A crisp white or a delicate rosé complements the richness perfectly.

Savvy Storage Secrets

Made too much? No worries! Cooked ravioli can hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days . Just make sure they're in an airtight container.

To reheat, gently pan-fry them in a bit of butter. This makes them taste awesome. Freezing? Absolutely! Lay the uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet, freeze them solid.

Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months . Cook them straight from frozen; just add a minute or two to the cooking time.

Remixing this Romantic Ravioli Recipe

Want to shake things up a bit? Go for it! For a vegetarian twist, try using spinach and ricotta. It's a classic combo for a reason! If you're watching your gluten, use gluten-free flour.

No problem! Or, swap the ricotta filling for a butternut squash puree. This adds a touch of sweetness, which is great for Valentines French Toast ! Remember that the secret is to experiment.

I use this recipe every year for my Italian Valentine's Day menu , it has become a tradition

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, so this valentines food isn't exactly health food. But hey, it's Valentines Day dinner ideas ! And sometimes, you just need to indulge.

The ricotta provides a good dose of calcium and protein. Plus, the sage is packed with antioxidants. If you’re looking for a lighter take, consider serving it with a valentines food salad and grilled chicken.

Each serving of the Homemade pasta for Valentine's Day has an estimated 750 calories.

There you have it! I hope these little nuggets of wisdom help you create a valentines food masterpiece. Remember, cooking should be fun! Don't stress about perfection.

Just enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious result. Now go impress your Valentine!

Easy Valentine's Day Recipes .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is making pasta dough from scratch really worth the effort for this valentines food?

Absolutely! While store-bought pasta could work in a pinch, homemade pasta has a superior texture and flavor. Plus, it's a labor of love, which is perfect for Valentine's Day. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of writing a love letter - it shows you care!

Help! My ravioli are bursting open when I cook them. What am I doing wrong?

Oh dear, that's a classic! The most common culprit is not sealing the ravioli edges properly. Make sure to press firmly around the edges to eliminate any air pockets. Also, be sure that your water isn't at a rolling boil - a gentle simmer is kinder to delicate pasta.

A quick tip from Mary Berry: use a fork to crimp the edges shut for extra security!

Can I make the heart shaped ravioli ahead of time?

You bet! You can assemble the ravioli a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator on a lightly floured baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage.

Just place the ravioli on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. No soggy bottoms here! Cook from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

I'm not a huge fan of sage. Can I use a different herb in the brown butter sauce?

Of course! While sage and brown butter is a match made in heaven, other herbs can work well. Try using fresh thyme or rosemary for a more earthy flavor, or basil for a sweeter note. Remember, cooking is all about adapting to your own taste even Nigella Lawson would agree!

Are there any healthy swaps I can make to lighten up this valentines food recipe?

Definitely! You can use part skim ricotta cheese instead of whole milk ricotta to reduce the fat content. Swapping half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour in the pasta dough will increase the fiber.

And while brown butter is divine, you could use a lighter olive oil-based sauce with herbs and lemon juice for a healthier option.

How do I prevent my brown butter sauce from burning? It always seems to happen to me!

Ah, the dreaded burnt butter! Keep the heat at medium and watch it like a hawk! The key is to swirl the pan constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as the butter turns a nutty brown color and smells fragrant.

Remember, brown butter goes from perfect to burnt very quickly, so stay vigilant and don't take your eye off the ball!