Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme

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Introduction

Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme is a visually captivating and deliciously unique dish that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the creamy richness of ricotta and the aromatic touch of fresh thyme. The heart-shaped ravioli, with their vibrant purple hue, not only delight the eyes but also offer a delicate yet comforting bite. Perfect for special occasions, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special, this dish is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress.

The first time I made this, I was struck by how the natural color of the beet pasta gave the dish a gorgeous, festive look. The earthy beet flavor paired with the creamy ricotta filling felt like a perfect combination, while the hint of thyme added just the right touch of elegance. It quickly became a favorite for any occasion that calls for a little extra flair at the dinner table.

What I love most about Beet Heart Ravioli is how it stands out as both a comforting and refined dish. The vibrant color and delicate shape make it a showstopper, while the richness of the ricotta and the earthiness of the beets create a perfect harmony of flavors. You can even switch up the filling by adding spinach or goat cheese for variation. No matter when or how you serve it, this ravioli is sure to make any meal feel like a celebration.

Perfect for:

  • Special occasions
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Dinner parties
  • Fall and winter meals
  • Vegetarian dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme will be your new favorite pasta dish:

  • Beautiful and Unique Presentation: The heart-shaped beet ravioli not only taste amazing but also create a stunning presentation, perfect for impressing guests.
  • Rich and Creamy Filling: The ricotta cheese paired with fresh thyme gives the ravioli a creamy, herby filling that balances the sweet and earthy taste of the beet pasta.
  • Homemade Pasta: Making fresh beet pasta from scratch adds depth of flavor and texture that store-bought ravioli can’t match.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is a great option for vegetarians or those looking for a meatless meal.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a cozy date night or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to be the highlight of the meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Preparation Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme:

For the Beet Pasta Dough:

  • 2 medium-sized beets, peeled and boiled
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Water as needed

For the Ricotta Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Ingredient Highlights

  • Beets: Beets add a beautiful deep red color and natural sweetness to the pasta dough.
  • Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, mild cheese provides a rich, smooth texture for the ravioli filling.
  • Fresh Thyme: The earthy and slightly floral flavor of thyme pairs perfectly with both the beet pasta and the ricotta filling.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that complements the creamy ricotta filling.
  • Butter: The buttery sauce enhances the ravioli’s flavor and adds richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Beet Pasta Dough:

  1. Prepare the Beets: Boil the beets in water until soft, about 30 minutes. Once cooked, peel and puree the beets in a food processor or blender until smooth.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the beet puree with flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If needed, add water a tablespoon at a time to achieve the right consistency.
  3. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling:

  1. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped fresh thyme, grated Parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Roll Out the Pasta Dough:

  1. Roll the Dough: After resting, roll out the dough on a floured surface using a rolling pin or pasta machine until it’s thin but not too delicate.
  2. Cut the Pasta: Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out heart shapes from the dough. You will need two heart shapes per ravioli.

Assemble the Ravioli:

  1. Fill the Ravioli: Place a small spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center of one heart-shaped pasta cutout. Top with another heart-shaped pasta and press the edges together firmly to seal. Make sure to press out any air pockets.
  2. Repeat the Process: Continue assembling the ravioli until all of the dough and ricotta filling have been used up.

Cook the Ravioli:

  1. Boil the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the ravioli into the water and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the ravioli float to the surface.
  2. Drain the Ravioli: Carefully remove the ravioli from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Make the Butter Sauce: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fresh thyme leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Toss the Ravioli in the Sauce: Add the cooked ravioli to the pan and gently toss in the butter sauce, ensuring each ravioli is coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

  1. Plate the Ravioli: Arrange the ravioli on plates, drizzle with the butter sauce, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

How to Serve

  • On Its Own: Serve the ravioli as a standalone main course with a simple salad on the side.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to complement the earthy flavor of the beets.
  • For a Festive Occasion: Serve with a glass of white wine or prosecco for a celebratory touch.
  • With Extra Parmesan: Add more grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Beets: Fresh beets will yield the best color and flavor for the pasta dough.
  • Don’t Overfill the Ravioli: Use just a small amount of ricotta filling so the ravioli can close properly and cook evenly.
  • Rolling the Dough: If using a pasta machine, roll the dough until it’s thin enough to see your hand through it.
  • Flavor Variations: You can mix in other herbs like sage or basil to the ricotta filling for a different flavor.
  • Freezing the Ravioli: Freeze uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet and transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen.

Recipe Variations

  1. Mushroom and Ricotta Filling
  2. Goat Cheese and Thyme Ravioli
  3. Sweet Potato and Sage Ravioli
  4. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
  5. Butternut Squash and Parmesan Ravioli
  6. Lemon Ricotta Ravioli
  7. Spinach and Feta Ravioli
  8. Ricotta and Walnuts Ravioli
  9. Caramelized Onion and Ricotta Ravioli
  10. Roasted Garlic and Ricotta Ravioli

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked ravioli on a baking sheet and transfer to a bag once solid.
  • Storage: Store cooked ravioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in butter sauce or a little warm water.

Special Equipment

  • Pasta Machine
  • Heart-shaped Cutter
  • Food Processor or Blender
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Rolling Pin

FAQ

  1. Can I use pre-made pasta dough? Yes, store-bought pasta dough can be used, though homemade dough offers better flavor.
  2. Can I substitute the ricotta? Yes, you can use mascarpone or goat cheese for a different flavor.
  3. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, prepare the ravioli and freeze them until ready to cook.
  4. What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter? You can use any shape you like, or simply cut into squares.
  5. Can I add meat to the filling? Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or beef for a non-vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme is a stunning and flavorful dish that will steal the spotlight at any meal. The sweet, vibrant beet pasta paired with creamy ricotta and fragrant thyme creates a harmonious balance of flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this ravioli is sure to impress and satisfy.

The delicate heart-shaped ravioli not only adds a touch of charm to your plate but also showcases the earthy sweetness of beets in a creative way. Serve it with a simple butter sauce or your favorite light vinaigrette to enhance the fresh, bright flavors.

I can’t wait to see your Beet Heart Ravioli creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you bring this dish to life. Don’t forget to share your unique twist in the comments. Happy cooking!

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