Ravioli

Filling

1. Mash the ricotta with a fork, add the other ingredients, and mix well.
2. Set aside in the fridge.

Pasta

1. Place the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, and make a well in the center.
2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, water and olive oil, then pour into the well.
3. Slowly mix everything together with your fingers to gradually incorporate the beaten eggs into the flour, and form a homogeneous ball. Continue to knead the pasta slowly until it is smooth and very supple.
4. Roll into a ball, cover with cling film, and set aside in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
5. Roll out the pasta using a machine
6. Sprinkle a little flour on the pasta, and flatten it lightly with the palm of your hand.
7. Place it in the pasta machine, on a medium setting, and roll it through 4 times, folding it in half each time.
8. Continue to roll out the pasta, gradually taking it down one setting each time until it is about ¹⁄₁₆ inch (1,5 mm) thick.
9. The pasta should be perfectly smooth, and without any creases.
10. Do flour the dough as much as necessary, otherwise it may become sticky and / or tear.
11. To roll the pasta by hand
12. Proceed in the same way as with the pasta machine but using a heavy rolling pin instead.

Assembly

1. Two techniques are possible:

Technique 1

1. Cut a strip of pasta, place it on a well-floured work surface, and lightly moisten the surface with water.
2. Place 1 teaspoon of the filling on top at regular intervals, then cover with another strip of pasta of the same size, and gently press down around each ball of filling to expel any air bubbles.
3. Cut into approximately 1½ inch (4 cm) squares using a fluted pastry wheel.
4. Repeat until the pasta is used up.

Technique 2

1. Use a well-floured ravioli mold, place the first strip of dough, then a teaspoon of filling in each indentation.
2. Place the second strip of pasta on top, then use a rolling pin to roll over the top to cut each piece. Press down firmly with the rolling pin to ensure a smooth cut.

Cooking

1. Bring a large amount of salted boiling water to the boil in a large saucepan, and cook the ravioli over high heat for 4 minutes.

To serve.

1. Drain, and drizzle with melted butter and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan.