As vast and diverse as the world of Italian cuisine is, there are a few distinct staples that come to mind when you think of it. We’re willing to bet that ravioli is one of these staples! This delicious fusion of pasta and cheese has evolved exponentially over the years, with new ways to prepare them and new fillings to put inside. As is the case with most subjects you’ll encounter, there are still plenty of things that the average person wouldn’t know about ravioli! We give you a guide to some of the most popular questions and answers regarding ravioli below!
What Gave Ravioli Its Name?
Suppose you’ve read any of our other Italian cuisine-themed blogs before. In that case, you’ll notice a common trend that rings true for ravioli as well: many Italian dishes are named after an Italian word that revolves around their preparation. In the case of ravioli, it comes from the Italian word “riavvolgere”, which roughly translates to “to wrap” in English. The filling of this dish is “wrapped” inside the pasta!
Is All Ravioli From Italy?
As many things in Italian cuisine are “borrowed” and adapted from other cultures, the same is true the other way around! The only type of ravioli that is truly Italian-born is cheese ravioli. Other types of ravioli, such as lobster ravioli and chicken ravioli, became popular in the United States, with Chef Boyardee leading the charge. Depending on where you go in Italy, however, the garnishes the ravioli are filled with can differ.
Was Tomato Sauce Always The Sauce Of Choice?
It’s hard to think of a ravioli dish that isn’t served with tomato sauce (unless you have lobster ravioli!). Believe it or not, this wasn’t always the case! Very early in their history, ravioli were usually garnished with a variety of sweet and savory spices. Tomato sauce didn’t become popular until tomatoes were introduced to Italy from the Americas, which didn’t happen until the 16th century.
What’s The Difference Between Tortellini and Ravioli?
The difference between tortellini and ravioli, two very similar pasta dishes, has much to do with their shape. Raviolis are typically square in appearance, with rounded tops that house the filling. Tortellini is usually ring-shaped, and each individual piece is usually smaller than a ravioli.
Ravioli at Quattro
At Quattro, you’ll find that we have delicious ravioli options for your enjoyment! We serve both chicken ravioli and lobster ravioli as a part of our menu choc-full of Italian delights. We also specialize in our own unique brick-oven pizzas, which boast a taste you can’t get with other cooking methods. To immerse yourself in a unique dining experience in Boston’s North End, click here to make a reservation with us!