Impasto delle Raviole di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Ravioli Dough)

Raviole di San Giuseppe, or St. Joseph’s Ravioli, are traditional sweet pastries from Bologna, Italy, typically prepared to celebrate Father’s Day on March 19th. These delightful half-moon-shaped cookies are filled with plum jam or Mostarda Bolognese, a spicy fruit preserve, and are a cherished treat during the festivities.

When preparing the dough for Raviole di San Giuseppe, attention to detail is key to achieving the desired texture and flavor.

Here are some essential tips to guide you through the process:

1. Use Quality Ingredients:
   • Flour: Opt for ’00’ flour, which is finely milled and ideal for pastries, resulting in a tender dough.
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   • Butter: Choose high-quality, unsalted butter for better flavor and control over the dough’s salt content.
     Jamie Oliver
   • Eggs: Fresh, organic eggs can enhance the dough’s richness and color.
2. Maintain Ingredient Temperature:
   • Ensure that the butter is cold when incorporating it into the flour. Cold butter creates pockets in the dough, leading to a flaky texture upon baking.
     Bon Appétit
   • Using cold water when binding the dough helps maintain the butter’s temperature, preventing it from melting prematurely.
     Southern Living
3. Avoid Overworking the Dough:
   • Mix the ingredients until they just come together. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in a tough dough.
     Great British Chefs
   • Handle the dough gently and minimally to preserve its delicate texture.
4. Rest the Dough:
   • Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This relaxation period helps the gluten strands to settle, making the dough easier to roll out and reducing shrinkage during baking.
     BBC Good Food
5. Rolling Out the Dough:
   • Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
   • Roll the dough evenly to the desired thickness, turning it occasionally to ensure uniformity and to prevent it from adhering to the surface.
6. Preventing Soggy Bottoms:
   • Using a metal baking sheet can help achieve a well-cooked base, as metal conducts heat more efficiently than ceramic.
     Great British Chefs
7. Sealing the Edges:
   • When folding the dough over the filling, press the edges firmly to seal. This ensures the filling remains enclosed during baking and prevents leaks.
8. Chilling Before Baking:
   • After shaping the ravioli, consider chilling them briefly before baking. This helps the dough maintain its shape and can lead to a flakier texture.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious and authentic Raviole di San Giuseppe.

Recipe overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Ease of Cooking: Easy
Servings: About 37-40 cookies
Calories: Approximately 90 per cookie
Cost of Ingredients: Moderate
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dessert

Equipment Needed:

Mixing bowls, rolling pin, round cookie cutter (5-6 cm in diameter), baking sheet, parchment paper, oven

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Ingredients:

• 250 g all-purpose flour (type 00)
• 120 g cold butter, cut into chunks
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 4 g baking powder
• 2 small eggs
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of half a lemon
• Filling: Plum jam or Mostarda Bolognese
• Optional: Colored sugar strands or pearl sugar for decoration
• > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Impasto delle Raviole di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Ravioli Dough) now.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
   • Add the grated lemon zest for a hint of citrus aroma.
   • Incorporate the cold butter chunks into the dry ingredients, working quickly with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the eggs and continue to knead until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
2. Rest the Dough:
   • Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 3-4 mm.
4. Cut and Fill the Cookies:
   • Use a round cookie cutter (5-6 cm in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
   • Place a small spoonful of plum jam or Mostarda Bolognese in the center of each circle.
   • Fold each circle in half to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal.
5. Decorate (Optional):
   • If desired, sprinkle colored sugar strands or pearl sugar on top of the cookies for a festive touch.
6. Bake:
   • Arrange the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
   • Once cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed!

Variations and Tips:

• Alternative Fillings: While traditional fillings include plum jam or Mostarda Bolognese, you can experiment with other jams, custard, or chocolate cream to suit your taste.
• Dietary Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine. To make the recipe vegan, replace the eggs with a suitable egg substitute, such as flaxseed meal mixed with water.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight glass container to maintain their crisp texture. They can be kept at room temperature for several days.
  • > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Impasto delle Raviole di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph’s Ravioli Dough) now.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

I hope this guide has made making Raviole di San Giuseppe seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.