There’s something truly special about creating homemade pasta. These Ghost Purse Ravioli bring a delightful whimsy to any meal. The tender pasta encases a creamy, savory ricotta filling. Each bite is a comforting experience. These little ghosts are fun to make. They are incredibly satisfying to share with loved ones.
They are perfect for family dinners. They make a unique appetizer too. Your guests will be charmed. I love how easily they come together. This makes them manageable. They are an impressive dish for busy weeknights. Their festive shape is a hit. They are especially great for Halloween.
This recipe truly shines for a few key reasons. It’s wonderfully quick.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Fun: It creates adorable Ghost Purse Ravioli with minimal fuss.
- Quick & Easy: This is perfect for a speedy, yet impressive, weeknight meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy ricotta filling and playful shape are always a hit.
- Versatile: It’s great for Halloween or any occasion needing charm.
Ghost Purse Ravioli Ingredients
The magic of these Ghost Purse Ravioli truly comes alive with simple ingredients. They come together for something truly delightful. The creamy ricotta filling, seasoned just right, pairs so well. It’s beautiful with the tender pasta.
- Refrigerated Pasta Dough Sheets: These are the base. They provide a tender casing for our filling.
- Ricotta Cheese: This is the heart of our filling. It offers a smooth, creamy texture. It has a mild flavor too.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds nutty, salty depth. It enhances the ricotta mixture.
- Fresh Parsley: This lends a bright, herbaceous note. It adds a touch of color.
- Large Egg: This acts as a binder. It holds the ricotta filling together nicely.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These are essential seasonings. They enhance all the wonderful flavors.
- Marinara Sauce: This is a classic accompaniment. It’s perfect for dipping.
- Fresh Basil: This adds a final touch. It’s for freshness and aromatic garnish.
Substitutions and Tips:
Want a richer filling? Try a mix. Substitute half the ricotta with mascarpone. No fresh parsley? Use dried parsley. You’ll need less, though. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth. For a vegan option, explore dairy-free ricotta. Use egg substitutes too. Make sure your pasta dough is at room temperature. This helps with handling.
How to Make Ghost Purse Ravioli
Let’s get these adorable ghosts made! Making homemade ravioli is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for perfect Ghost Purse Ravioli.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Lightly coin flour a clean work surface. Unroll your pasta dough sheets. This gets everything ready for easy ravioli assembly. Doing this first saves a lot of fuss later.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese. Add the Parmesan cheese. Stir in the parsley. Mix in the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix it all well. This creates the creamy, flavorful core of your Ghost Purse Ravioli.
Step 3: Assemble the Ravioli
Place spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture about one inch apart. Put them on one pasta sheet. This ensures even distribution of the yummy filling. Don’t crowd them too much.
Step 4: Seal the Ravioli
Place another pasta sheet on top. Gently press around the filling. Remove any air bubbles. Proper sealing is key. It prevents your homemade ravioli from opening up during cooking. A good seal is important.
Step 5: Cut the Shapes
Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter. You can also use a knife to cut ghost shapes. Cut out the ravioli. This is where your Ghost Purse Ravioli get their signature, spooky look. Have fun with it!
Step 6: Boil the Water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out. It makes a big difference. You want active rolling bubbles.
Step 7: Cook the Ravioli
Carefully drop ravioli into the boiling water. Cook them for three to five minutes. They are ready when al dente. They will float to the surface. Watch them closely. Avoid overcooking them.
Step 8: Drain and Serve
Remove ravioli with a slotted spoon. Drain them well. Serve warm. Add marinara sauce. Sprinkle with fresh basil. This makes a complete, delicious meal. Enjoy your Ghost Purse Ravioli!
How to Store Ghost Purse Ravioli
Uncooked Ghost Purse Ravioli freeze beautifully for later. Arrange them in a single layer. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until firm. Then, move them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep for about 1 month. Cook from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to boiling time. Cooked ravioli need refrigeration. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Tips for Success
- Ensure pasta sheets aren’t too dry. Cover them with a damp cloth if they seem brittle.
- Don’t overfill the ravioli. This makes sealing difficult. It can cause them to burst.
- Press firmly around the filling. This creates a good seal for your Ghost Purse Ravioli.
- Use a sharp cookie cutter for clean edges.
- Cook ravioli in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot. This keeps the water temperature high.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large pot is essential for boiling your ravioli.
- You’ll need a medium bowl for mixing the creamy filling.
- Use a spoon or small ice cream scoop for filling.
- A ghost-shaped cookie cutter is key, but a knife works too.
- A slotted spoon helps remove the ravioli with ease.
- A baking sheet and parchment paper are great for freezing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Ghost Purse Ravioli with crusty garlic bread.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness.
- Offer grated Parmesan and fresh basil at the table.
- Serve with sparkling cider for a festive touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling for Ghost Purse Ravioli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ricotta filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the ravioli. This will save you time on assembly day.
What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem at all! You can use any fun cookie cutter you have on hand. A simple knife can also freehand ghost shapes. The taste will be just as delicious, even if your homemade ravioli aren’t perfect.
How can I ensure my ravioli are well-sealed?
Brush the edges of the pasta sheet lightly with water before placing the second sheet on top. Then, press down firmly around the filling. Ensure there are no air pockets. This helps create a secure seal for your Ghost Purse Ravioli.
PrintGhost Purse Ravioli
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12-16 ravioli
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make fun and festive Ghost Purse Ravioli, perfect for Halloween or any spooky occasion. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a ghost-shaped cookie cutter for a playful presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 ounce) package refrigerated pasta dough sheets
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unroll pasta dough sheets.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Place spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture about 1 inch apart on one pasta sheet.
- Place a second pasta sheet on top. Gently press around the filling to seal, removing any air bubbles.
- Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife to cut ghost shapes), cut out the ravioli.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop ravioli into boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until al dente and floating to the surface.
- Remove ravioli with a slotted spoon and drain.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Notes
- Ensure the ravioli are well-sealed to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- If you don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, you can use a knife to cut out freehand ghost shapes.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your ravioli.