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Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce
© Christina Holmes

Ravioli Nudi in Tomato Sauce

Contributed by Quick from Scratch Vegetable Main Dishes
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • VEGETARIAN

Hear the name ravioli nudi—literally, naked ravioli—and you may envision little sauceless pasta packets, but in fact it's not the sauce that's missing, but the pasta itself. Ravioli filling, in this case spinach and ricotta, is simmered...

  1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 2 onions, chopped
  3. 2 pounds spinach, stems removed, leaves washed well and chopped
  4. 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  5. 1 clove garlic, minced
  6. 1 2/3 cups tomato puree (one 15-ounce can)
  7. 1/2 cup water
  8. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  9. 1 tablespoon butter
  10. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
  11. 3/4 cup ricotta
  12. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  13. 2 eggs, beaten to mix
  14. Grated zest of 1 lemon
  15. 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  16. 1/16 teaspoon cayenne
  17. 3 tablespoons flour
  1. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately low heat. Add half the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to moderately high and add the spinach and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Cook, stirring, until no liquid remains in the pan, about 10 minutes. Drain and press all remaining liquid from the spinach.
  2. In the same pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil over moderately low heat. Add the remaining onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring. Stir in the tomato puree, water, pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Stir in the butter and basil and cover to keep warm.
  3. Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a simmer. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, lemon zest, nutmeg, cayenne, and flour. Using two tablespoons, drop walnut-size dumplings into the simmering water. Cook until firm, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve with the tomato sauce.

Suggested Pairing

Tomatoes require a high-acid wine, while earthy spinach is best with one that has bright, uncomplicated fruit. Sounds like Barbera, but no oak please.