Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme

Introduction

Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme are a beautiful and delicious way to elevate any special occasion. These vibrant, heart-shaped ravioli are made with a colorful beet dough, which brings a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta filling. Infused with fresh thyme, the ricotta adds a rich and savory element, making every bite both satisfying and full of depth. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with the striking red hue of the beets creating an elegant presentation.

Ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any romantic dinner, these ravioli will impress your guests with their unique flavor combination and gorgeous appearance. The combination of the sweet beets, creamy ricotta, and aromatic thyme makes this dish stand out as a memorable centerpiece for any meal. Whether served as a starter or the main course, it’s a stunning way to showcase your culinary creativity.

Making Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme at home is a rewarding and fun experience. Though it requires a bit of preparation, the result is a truly special dish that will surely leave a lasting impression. Perfect for those looking to make a homemade meal that combines love, flavor, and elegance in one delicious package!

Perfect for:

Romantic dinners or special occasions
Vegetarian meals
Impressive dinner parties
A flavorful and beautiful homemade pasta dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Beet Heart Ravioli is a must-try:

Beautiful Presentation: The heart-shaped ravioli are visually stunning, making them a great choice for a romantic or celebratory meal.
Flavorsome and Unique: The earthy sweetness of beets pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta and fragrant thyme.
Homemade Pasta: The ravioli dough is simple to prepare, and it elevates this dish to a whole new level.
Customizable: You can make the ravioli ahead of time and freeze them for easy preparation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (depending on filling and size of ravioli)
Key Nutrients: Protein, vitamins (from beets), healthy fats (from ricotta)

Ingredients

For the Beet Ravioli Dough:

2 medium beets, peeled and cooked
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons water (as needed)

For the Ricotta Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce (Optional):

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

Beets: A naturally vibrant, earthy vegetable that gives the ravioli its striking color and a slight sweetness.
Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that balances the richness of the beet dough and complements the thyme.
Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds depth and earthiness to the ricotta filling and the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beet Dough:

Cook the Beets:
Peel and cook the beets (boil or roast them). Once soft, blend them in a food processor or mash them until smooth. You should have about 1 cup of beet puree.
Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beet puree, flour, egg, olive oil, and salt. Stir to combine, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, adding a little water if the dough is too dry or a little more flour if it’s too sticky. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
Rest the Dough:
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 20 minutes.

Prepare the Ricotta Filling:

Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Shape the Ravioli:

Roll the Dough:
After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface using a rolling pin. Roll the dough as thinly as possible, ideally to about 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut the Ravioli Shapes:
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut the dough into heart shapes. You can also use a round cutter if you prefer a different shape.
Fill the Ravioli:
Place a small spoonful of the ricotta filling in the center of half of the cut ravioli shapes. Then, top with another heart-shaped piece of dough. Press the edges together to seal the ravioli. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are sealed well.
Repeat:
Repeat until all the ravioli are formed.

Cook the Ravioli:

Boil the Ravioli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the ravioli into the boiling water in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Boil for about 4-5 minutes or until the ravioli rise to the surface and are tender.
Drain and Set Aside:
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the water and set them aside on a plate.

Make the Sauce (Optional):

Cook the Sauce:
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the fresh thyme and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. If desired, you can also add a splash of pasta water to create a smoother sauce.
Coat the Ravioli:
Gently toss the cooked ravioli in the skillet with the butter and thyme sauce until well coated. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve:
Serve the ravioli hot with the optional sauce. Garnish with additional fresh thyme and Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve

These Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme can be served on their own as the star of the meal or paired with:

Simple Salad: A light mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the ravioli.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for an extra indulgence.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables or sautéed greens pair nicely with the ravioli.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the ravioli ahead of time and freeze them for later. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage. Boil from frozen when ready to serve.
Flavor Variations: Try adding a touch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the ricotta filling for an extra flavor dimension.
Shape Options: If heart-shaped ravioli aren’t your style, you can use round or square cutters for a more traditional look.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Swap the ricotta and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew cheese or vegan ricotta.
Vegan Version: Use a vegan pasta dough and fill with a combination of tofu and herbs instead of ricotta.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftover ravioli can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or in the microwave.
Freezing: To freeze, place uncooked ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen in boiling water.

Special Equipment

Food Processor: For pureeing the cooked beets.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the ravioli dough.
Heart-Shaped Cutter: For cutting the ravioli into heart shapes.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought ravioli dough?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought ravioli dough. Just be sure to cook the ravioli according to the package instructions.
How can I make the ravioli filling more flavorful?
Add sautéed garlic, a touch of lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
Can I make the ravioli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ravioli and store them in the fridge for a day or freeze them for longer storage.
How do I know when the ravioli are cooked?
Ravioli are done when they float to the top of the water and are tender when gently pierced.

Conclusion

These Beet Heart Ravioli with Ricotta and Thyme are a visually stunning and flavorful dish that elevates any meal. The vibrant beet pasta, shaped into heart forms, provides a striking contrast to the creamy, herb-infused ricotta filling inside. With a delicate balance of earthy sweetness from the beets and the richness of the ricotta, this dish is as delicious as it is beautiful, making it perfect for romantic dinners or special celebrations.

Made from scratch, these homemade ravioli are a labor of love, but the results are worth it. The fresh thyme adds an aromatic note that complements the creamy ricotta filling, while the tender beet pasta creates a perfect bite. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or simply treating yourself, these ravioli will leave a lasting impression with their unique flavors and charming appearance.

Ideal for those who enjoy cooking a bit more creatively, these beet heart ravioli with ricotta and thyme make for an exciting culinary adventure. Pair with a light butter sauce or a drizzle of olive oil, and you’re ready to enjoy a truly special, delicious dish.