Giada De Laurentiis, the celebrated chef, television personality, and cookbook author, is known for her flavorful and innovative Italian recipes. Her Chocolate-Hazelnut Ravioli recipe is no exception, blending the deliciousness of chocolate and hazelnut with the delightful concept of dessert ravioli. It’s a perfect dish for those who appreciate a little creativity in the kitchen, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Giada De Laurentiis’ Chocolate-Hazelnut Ravioli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
For the filling:
- 1 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the garnish:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Preparing the Dough
Step 1: Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the mixture.
Step 2: Add wet ingredients
Crack the eggs into the well and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Use a fork to gently beat the eggs and oil together, gradually incorporating the flour mixture.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Once the dough starts coming together, use your hands to knead it for about 10 minutes. You should have a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Preparing the Filling
Step 1: Combine ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the chocolate-hazelnut spread, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.
Assembling the Ravioli
Step 1: Roll out the dough
Divide the rested dough into four equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough at a time into a thin rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick.
Step 2: Place the filling
Drop teaspoon-sized amounts of the filling onto the dough, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 3: Fold and seal
Fold the dough over the filling to create a long, filled rectangle. Press the edges of the dough together, sealing in the filling. Use a fluted pastry wheel or a sharp knife to cut the ravioli into individual squares.
Step 4: Repeat
Continue the process with the remaining dough and filling. Place the finished ravioli on a floured baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Cooking the Ravioli
Step 1: Boil water
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
Step 2: Cook the ravioli
Gently lower the ravioli into the boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the ravioli float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the water, and drain on paper towels.
Garnishing and Serving
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Lightly dust the cooked ravioli with the cocoa-powdered sugar mixture, ensuring each ravioli is well coated.
Serve the Chocolate-Hazelnut Ravioli immediately, either as a dessert or as a unique treat for a special occasion. You can also offer a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent experience.
Tips and Variations
- For a festive touch, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur or espresso to the filling mixture.
- You can also incorporate finely chopped toasted hazelnuts into the filling for added texture and flavor.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought wonton wrappers instead of making the dough from scratch.
- The uncooked ravioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Cook them straight from the fridge or freezer, adding an additional minute to the cooking time if frozen.
With Giada De Laurentiis’ Chocolate-Hazelnut Ravioli recipe, you’re sure to create an unforgettable dessert that will delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your guests. Happy cooking!