Ravioli (Keto and Gluten-Free)

Switching to a keto-friendly diet often means saying goodbye to traditional stuffed pasta, as most gluten-free options are still high in carbs. Luckily, there’s no need to give up pasta entirely on a keto diet, as low-carb flour alternatives are now available in plenty of supermarkets, or you can make some yourself! This recipe uses a few simple ingredients to make a keto pasta dough that anyone will enjoy. Almond flour is a top choice for keto baking, even though it’s calorie-dense because it is very low in carbohydrates. Fill this ravioli with whatever you like; I opted for spinach and ricotta, and serve with a keto-friendly sauce and voila! A filling and nutritious meal.

Essential Ingredients for Ravioli

For the keto pasta dough. Makes around ten ravioli depending on size.

120 g almond flour

2 teaspoons xanthan gum

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 lightly beaten egg

2 teaspoons of water

For the ricotta & spinach filling:

1 cup of cooked or frozen cooked spinach, moisture removed.

1 cup of ricotta cheese

⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg yolk

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Almond Flour Ravioli at Home

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: Add almond flour, xanthan gum, and salt to a bowl and mix well to combine.

Step 2: Pour in apple cider vinegar and mix a little.

Step 3: Add the egg and water and mix until the dough forms into a ball. The dough should be firm but sticky when you poke it.

Step 4: Wrap the dough in cling film and knead it through the plastic for a couple of minutes. Place in the fridge for 45 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

Step 1: Mix spinach with ricotta, Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Add egg yolk.

Step 2: Place in the refrigerator for 15 mins.

Assembling the Ravioli

Step 1: Use a rolling pin or pasta machine, if you have one, to roll out the pasta between two sheets of parchment paper to its thinnest point without breaking it. Do this with both halves of the dough.

Step 2: Place about a half tablespoon of filling on the dough in portions, adjusting based on your desired ravioli size and shape.

Step 3: Cover the filled dough with another piece, pressing around the edges to seal and remove air bubbles.

Step 4: Trim the edges close to the filling using a sharp tool like a cookie cutter.

Step 5: Arrange all the ravioli on a baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.

Cooking the Ravioli

Method 1 – Boiled:

Step 1: Bring a pot of salted water to the boil and reduce to barely a simmer.

Step 2: Add the ravioli gently.

Step 3: Cook for 5 minutes or so until the ravioli floats to the top.

Step 4: Remove the ravioli gently with a pasta scoop.

Step 5: Serve with your choice of sauce. I made a keto-friendly burnt butter and sage sauce.

Method 2 – Fried:

Step 1: Heat some butter and seasonings in a nonstick pan (I did burnt butter and sage!)

Step 2: Add the ravioli to the pan.

Step 3: Cook for 2 minutes on each side, then remove. Serve with any kind of sauce.

Tips for Perfect Ravioli

Don’t overfill the ravioli; otherwise, you won’t be able to press down on the sides to seal them properly.
If boiling the ravioli, make sure the water is at a very gentle simmer with hardly any bubbles. This will ensure the ravioli will heat through without breaking apart.
A pasta roller will make much better sheets for the ravioli than mine!
Don’t skip the freezing part. This also helps the ravioli not to fall apart.

FAQs

Is almond flour gluten-free?

Yes, almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, if cross-contamination is a concern, always check the packaging to ensure it was processed in a gluten-free facility.

How do I keep the almond flour ravioli from falling apart during cooking?

To prevent the ravioli from falling apart, seal the edges well by pressing firmly with a fork or a ravioli stamp. To avoid breaking them apart, cook the ravioli in gently boiling water rather than a rolling boil.

Can I freeze almond flour ravioli for later use?

Yes, you can freeze almond flour ravioli. Place the ravioli in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.

Ingredients