Sardinian Ricotta, Saffron, and Orange Zest Ravioli

 

These Sardinian ravioli with ricotta, saffron, and orange zest are a delicious and refined first course. They are accompanied by a simple sauce made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a generous sprinkle of grated pecorino cheese. This dish offers a satisfying and flavorful experience inspired by the traditional cuisine of Sardinia.

 

Ingredients:

For the pasta:

-800g of flour

-2 eggs

-Extra virgin olive oil

-Salt to taste

For the filling:

-500g of sheep's ricotta cheese

-Grated zest of 2 oranges

-2 eggs

-2 sachets of saffron

-120g of sugar

 For the tomato sauce:

-500g of piccadilly tomatoes

-1 clove of garlic

-5 basil leaves

-1 teaspoon of salt

-1 tablespoon of olive oil

 

Procedure:

① To make the pasta, carefully mix together 800g of flour, 2 eggs, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt until you obtain a compact and uniform dough. Allow it to rest for 30 minutes while you soften the ricotta.

② In a separate bowl, beat 2 egg yolks with 120g of sugar and add the grated zest of 2 oranges. Combine this mixture with the ricotta, saffron, and a pinch of salt, stirring until you achieve a smooth cream.

③ Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and spoon small balls of the filling onto it, spacing them apart. Cover with another sheet of dough and cut the ravioli using a fluted pastry wheel.

④ While the ravioli rest, prepare a light sauce with fresh tomatoes. Wash and halve 500g of piccadilly tomatoes, then place them in a high-sided non-stick pan. Add 1 crushed garlic clove, 5 basil leaves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

⑤ After the tomatoes have cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Using caution to avoid splatters, blend the tomatoes with an immersion blender until you obtain a creamy and fairly dense sauce. Set aside until you are ready to dress the ravioli.

⑥ To finish, cook the ravioli in plenty of salted boiling water, then toss them in the sauce made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a generous amount of grated pecorino cheese. Serve them hot.

 

Enjoy the culinary journey and savor the flavors of Sardinia with these delightful ricotta, saffron, and orange zest ravioli.

 

Buon appetito!💓