Chocolate Ravioli With Cherry-Orange Sauce
Chocolate ravioli with cherry-orange sauce offers a delightful blend of rich cocoa flavors and tangy citrus. The tender pasta encases a sweet ricotta filling, complemented by a vibrant cherry-orange sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dessert, it appeals to chocolate lovers and citrus enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely shred 1 teaspoon orange peel.
- Peel and section the orange; set aside.
- For the filling, combine ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons sugar, and orange peel; set aside.
- Prepare the pasta dough by mixing all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, salt, beaten eggs, water, and 1 teaspoon cooking oil until smooth.
- Roll out the dough to thin sheets and cut into squares.
- Place a spoonful of filling on each square, then fold and seal the edges to form ravioli.
- Cook the ravioli in boiling water until they float, about 3-4 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cherry-orange sauce by combining the orange juice, 1/3 cup sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, then add cherries and orange sections, cooking briefly to warm through.
- Serve the ravioli topped with the cherry-orange sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling. If you're short on time, use store-bought chocolate pasta instead of making your own. You can also substitute the ricotta with mascarpone for a creamier texture. Remember to dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chocolate ravioli warm, generously topped with the cherry-orange sauce. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance. Pair this dish with a refreshing Green Bean And Mozzarella Salad to balance the richness of the ravioli. For a complete meal, consider serving with Italian Toast on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until heated through. The cherry-orange sauce can be refrigerated as well and reheated in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Ravioli With Cherry-Orange Sauce contains roughly 642 calories, with 11g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1841mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the ravioli before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the ravioli before cooking. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to an airtight container. They can be cooked from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the boiling time.
What can I use instead of cherries in the sauce?
If cherries are not available, you can substitute them with raspberries or even blueberries for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sweetness of the sauce accordingly, as some berries may be tarter than cherries.
How can I make the pasta dough without eggs?
To make an egg-free pasta dough, replace the eggs with an equal amount of water or aquafaba. You may need to adjust the flour slightly to get the right consistency. This will keep the dish vegan while still ensuring a delightful texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).