Ravioli — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Ravioli should be uniform in shape with tightly sealed edges. The filling should be visible through thin pasta and appear fresh and moist. The pasta should cook evenly and hold its shape without splitting.

Avoid ravioli that appears dried out or has cracked edges, as these are prone to breaking during cooking. Packages where the pasta sticks together or has freezer burn should also be avoided, indicating poor quality or storage.

Fresh ravioli should be stored in the refrigerator, preferably in an airtight container. Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain its freshness for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the ravioli.

Exposure to air can cause ravioli to dry out and lose its quality. Avoid stacking ravioli without protection, as this can cause them to stick together. Always use a clean container and handle the ravioli gently to maintain its shape and texture.

Ravioli can last for 1-2 days in the refrigerator once cooked. For longer storage, cooked ravioli can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Leftover ravioli can be used in a variety of savory dishes. Reheat them and serve with your favorite sauce for a quick meal, or bake them in a casserole with cheese and vegetables for added texture and flavor. Ravioli is also great when tossed in a butter sauce with fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan.

Use ravioli in a pasta salad with fresh vegetables, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette, or mix them into a soup with broth, greens, and beans for a hearty dish. If you have a lot of ravioli, consider making a batch of ravioli lasagna by layering the pasta with sauce, cheese, and meat, then baking until bubbly. Ravioli can also be fried and served as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping. For a quick snack, reheat ravioli and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, or toss with pesto for a flavorful twist.