Dairy-Free Ravioli Recipes: Easy & Delicious Dough & Fillings

Remember those comforting pillows of pasta filled with creamy goodness? Well, get ready to rediscover the joy of ravioli, this time reimagined for a dairy-free lifestyle. Whether lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for new flavours, this guide will show you how to create delicious, flavour-packed dairy-free ravioli that everyone can enjoy.

No longer relegated to the sidelines, dairy-free options are taking centre stage, offering a wealth of possibilities without compromising on taste or texture. With its endless potential for fillings and sauces, dairy-free Ravioli is a perfect canvas for showcasing this versatility. So, ditch the dairy and prepare to be amazed by the symphony of flavours that await!

The Making of Dairy-Free Ravioli Perfection

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We know the most exciting part of making ravioli is deciding your filling. However, to get to that part, we must first make outstanding dairy-free ravioli that will be the base for our marvellous creation.

The foundation of your dairy-free ravioli journey begins with the dough, and what a foundation it is! Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought or the satisfaction of crafting your own, both paths lead to delicious results. So, let’s explore your options and equip you with expert tips for creating the perfect dairy-free canvas

Store-Bought Convenience

Look for brands specialising in vegan pasta dough. Many grocery stores and online retailers offer various gluten-free and whole-wheat options. Consider dietary needs and personal preferences when choosing. Here are some of the brands we love:

• Taste Republic Plant-Based Cheese Ravioli
• Eat Nice Ravioli
• Kite Hill Ravioli
• La Pasta Dairy-Free Ravioli
• Woodstock Organic Ravioli

Make sure to follow the package instructions for thawing and handling carefully. The store-bought dough can be slightly more delicate, so approach it with gentle hands. Pro tip: if you plan to freeze your dairy-free ravioli, choose a “freezer-friendly dough.”

Remember, while store-bought dough is a great starting point, you can often customise it! Add a touch of your favourite herb, like rosemary or thyme, for a subtle flavour boost.

Making Your Own Dairy-Free Ravioli Dough

Now, if you’re willing to get your hands dirty and make your own from scratch, we have the perfect recipe!

Ingredients

• Flour Power: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting) or a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Salty Delight: 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Liquid Love: 1 tablespoon olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil
• Plant-Based Milk: 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat)

Instructions

1. Building the Base: Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. This creates an even distribution of flavour and prevents clumps.
2. Wetting the Dough: Add olive oil and plant-based milk, mixing with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Remember, ice-cold milk makes the dough smoother!
3. Knead to Know: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too sticky. Don’t overwork it, as this can make the dough tough.
4. Rest and Rise: Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to work with.

Tips for Dough Masters

• Go Beyond All-Purpose: Experiment with flours like chickpea or whole wheat for added flavour and nutrients. Just remember to adjust the water content accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Magic: If using a gluten-free flour blend, follow specific gluten-free kneading techniques and be mindful of potential crumbliness.
• Flavor Twists: Infuse your dough with subtle flavours! During the mixing stage, add a teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
• Freezing Friendly: Plan to freeze your dairy-free ravioli? Choose a store-bought dough labelled “freezer-friendly”, or add a tablespoon of tapioca starch to your homemade dough for extra freeze-thaw stability.

With this easy recipe and pro tips to follow, you will have the most delicious dairy-free ravioli dough in your hands in no time! With the dough ready, we can move on to your favourite part: fillings!

Sweet and Savoury Dairy-Free Ravioli Fillings

What you fill your dairy-free ravioli with is only between you and God, and you can go as crazy as you want! From savoury fillings to sweet ones, the dairy-free ravioli is your canvas; you can paint it however you like. But, just in case you need recommendations, we have a couple of savoury and sweet dairy-free fillings that we think you will like.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage

We raise the curtain on a melody of caramelised sweetness. Tender butternut squash, roasted to golden perfection, dances with earthy sage in a creamy, flavorful duet. This filling is a harmonious blend of warmth and comfort, perfect for those seeking a taste of autumn on their plate.

• Preheat your oven to 200°C. Cube a small butternut squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender and golden brown. This caramelisation adds depth of flavour.
• While the squash roasts, blend 1 cup silken tofu, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Combine the roasted squash with the creamy base and pulse in a food processor until combined. Don’t overprocess, as you want some texture.

Spinach and Vegan Ricotta

A vibrant green interlude takes centre stage. Infused with garlic’s subtle touch, Wilted spinach joins forces with a creamy cashew ricotta, creating a light and healthy composition. This filling is a delightful harmony of textures and flavours, ideal for those seeking a taste of freshness.

• Sauté 2 chopped cups of spinach with 1 clove of garlic and a pinch of salt until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
• Blend 1 cup soaked cashews, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of salt until smooth and ricotta-like.
• Combine the sautéed spinach with the cashew ricotta and gently mix. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Lentil Bolognese

A hearty crescendo builds, fueled by sun-kissed tomatoes and earthy lentils. This filling is a robust tapestry of flavours, where simmered tomatoes lend sweetness to protein-rich lentils, creating a satisfying and flavorful masterpiece.

• Cook 1 cup brown lentils according to package instructions. Meanwhile, simmer 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes with 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 clove of garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for 15 minutes.
• Combine cooked lentils and sun-dried tomato sauce. Mash some lentils for a thicker texture. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.

Pumpkin and Spice

Pumpkin, spice and everything nice is the recipe to create the Powerpuff Girl and one to make one of the best sweet dairy-free ravioli recipes ever! This sweet serenade is perfect for those seeking a taste of cosy indulgence.

• Roast or steam 1 cup of pumpkin flesh until tender. Puree with 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon chia seeds and let sit for 10 minutes to thicken. This prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Mixed Berries

A light and playful finale bursts onto the scene. Fresh berries, their sweetness enhanced by a touch of maple syrup, create a vibrant and delightful filling. This is a refreshing and cheerful conclusion, perfect for those seeking a taste of summer sunshine.

• Combine 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries) with 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1 tablespoon chia seeds. Gently toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes.

Those are some of our personal favourite dairy-free ravioli fillings. Don’t be afraid to mix and match and add your touch to the recipes. Whether that is herbs, protein, nuts, or whatever you fancy!

Cooking and Serving Your Dairy-Free Ravioli Masterpiece

With your dough prepped and fillings bursting with flavour, it’s time to orchestrate the final act: bringing your dairy-free ravioli to life! This is where you transform your culinary creation from a delicious symphony of ingredients into a visual and gustatory masterpiece. So, dim the lights, raise the curtain, and let the performance begin!

Choosing the Right Way to Make Dairy-Free Ravioli

Your chosen cooking method is crucial to your dairy-free ravioli’s final texture and taste. Here’s a closer look at the three main options:

Boiling

The classic and versatile method, boiling gently simmers your dairy-free ravioli in salted water for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness. This is ideal for heavier fillings and sauces. Aim for a slight bounce when cooked through, but avoid overcooking to prevent mushy dough.

Steaming

A gentler alternative, perfect for delicate fillings like pumpkin or berry. Steaming for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is translucent, preserves the texture and allows the flavours to shine. This method works best with lighter sauces or olive oil and herbs drizzled.

Pan-Frying

For a crispier crust and richer depth of flavour, consider pan-frying. Lightly brown your dairy-free ravioli in a skillet with olive oil before simmering in your chosen sauce. This method suits thicker fillings like lentil bolognese or those with added cheese. Just be mindful not to burn the dough, and ensure your sauce is ready to go as the pan-frying time is shorter.

Sauces: The Accompaniment that Elevates

The sauce serves as the supporting act, complementing and enhancing the flavours of your dairy-free ravioli filling. Consider these delicious options;

Savory Symphonies

• Marinara: A timeless classic, a simple tomato sauce with fresh herbs like basil or oregano pairs beautifully with various fillings. Opt for a chunky or smooth texture, depending on your preference.
• Pesto: A vibrant and flavorful option, pesto adds freshness with its blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. This sauce is particularly suited to spinach and ricotta or roasted vegetable fillings.
• Sage-infused Cream Sauce: For a richer and more decadent experience, create a creamy sauce infused with the earthy aroma of sage. This pairs beautifully with butternut squash or mushroom fillings.
• Brown Butter Sauce: A simple yet sophisticated choice, brown butter adds a nutty richness to your ravioli. Drizzle it over pan-fried dairy-free ravioli for an extra touch of elegance.

Sweet Serenades

• Maple Syrup: A simple drizzle of maple syrup accompanies pumpkin dairy-free ravioli, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• Fruit Coulis: A refreshing and vibrant option, create a coulis from your favourite berries like raspberries or strawberries. This sauce is perfect for lighter, summery ravioli fillings.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle vegan chocolate sauce over your berry-filled ravioli for a decadent dessert treat. This is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Presenting Your Dairy-Free Ravioli Creation

The final act of your culinary creation isn’t just about taste; it’s about transforming your dairy-free ravioli into a visual masterpiece. So, take a deep breath, step into the spotlight, and prepare to wow with these presentation tips:

Plating with Panache

• Ditch the perfectly symmetrical plate! Arrange your ravioli visually pleasingly and dynamically, creating a sense of movement and intrigue.
• Consider the colour of your ravioli and sauce. For example, vibrant pesto sauce pairs beautifully with pale green spinach and ricotta ravioli, while a creamy white sauce complements earthy butternut squash.
• Don’t overcrowd the plate! Leave enough space between each ravioli to allow them to breathe and their beauty to shine.

Swirling Sauces

• Use your sauce to create a base or background for your ravioli. Drizzle it in a circular motion, forming a pool that showcases the fillings peeking through.
• Get creative with a spoon! Use it to create dollops, swirls, or even small quenelles of sauce, adding dimension and texture to the plate.
• Consider using edible flowers, microgreens, or even small pieces of fruit to add pops of colour and texture to the surrounding area.

Garnishing with Flair

• Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives add a vibrant green touch and a burst of aroma. Experiment with different textures, using whole leaves for a bold statement or finely chopped herbs for a delicate touch.
• Toasted nuts like pine nuts, pistachios, or walnuts add a delightful textural contrast and a touch of richness. For a festive touch, consider using pomegranate seeds or edible glitter.
• Vegan cheese crumbles can add a salty and creamy element. Opt for a flavoured cheese that complements your filling, like smoked paprika or truffle-infused.

With recipes, tips, and inspiration under your belt, you’re ready to create your dairy-free ravioli masterpieces. Don’t be afraid to experiment, swap ingredients, and invent your flavour combinations! This is your culinary adventure; embrace it!

Share your creations, surprise your loved ones, and revel in the joy of deliciousness. Remember, the best dishes often come from breaking free from the ordinary. So go forth, create, and discover the magic of dairy-free ravioli!

Happy cooking!

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