Valentines Day is all about showing love, and what better way to do it than through food? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just someone who wants to surprise a loved one with a homemade treat, this easy valentines day recipe i.e. Heart-Shaped Ravioli with Beet Pasta Dough is the perfect recipe.
It’s a visually stunning dish that screams romance and is deceptively easy to make. Plus, the vibrant red hue of the pasta will make it the star of your Valentine’s Day table.
In this post, I’ll guide you through everything – from creating the beet-tinted pasta dough to filling your ravioli with creamy ricotta and herbs, and finishing it off with a luscious brown butter and sage sauce.
Why Heart-Shaped Ravioli With Beet Pasta?
Unlike traditional ravioli recipes, this one uses beet-tinted dough for a natural, vibrant red hue – no artificial food coloring needed! It’s a healthier, eye-catching option that stands out from the crowd.
Also, the beet-infused dough not only gives the pasta a natural red color but also adds a subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy ricotta filling and nutty butter sauce.
“Less “Master Chef” and more “Kitchen Catastrophe,” my first Valentine’s Day cooking escapade was a story of burning, fumbling, and somehow still capturing my partner’s heart (and stomach).and I must say that this heart-shaped ravioli with its stunning red color and gourmet touch has been a hit every year!”
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Ingredients You’ll Need For Heart-Shaped Ravioli With Beet Pasta
Choose Your Pasta Preferences For Best Ravioli
Ravioli Using Gluten-Free Pasta | Ravioli Using Regular Pasta
For the Beet Pasta Dough:
- 2 large beets, roasted and pureed
- Approx. Two cups of All-purpose flour (plus you’ll need a little extra for dusting)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Ricotta Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Brown Butter Sage Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6-8 fresh sage leaves
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
To Assemble:
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter (medium size)
- Rolling pin or pasta maker
- Fork for sealing
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Ravioli with Beet Pasta Dough For Valentines Day
Quick Recipe Overview:
- Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Main Ingredients: Pasta dough, beet puree, ricotta cheese
- Steps: Prepare the beet dough, fill the ravioli, cook, and drizzle with brown butter sage sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Beet Pasta Dough
Roast the beets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender (about 45 minutes). Once cooled, peel and puree them in a blender or food processor.
On a clean surface or in a large bowl, make a mound with the flour and create a well in the center. Add the eggs, salt, and 1/4 cup of beet puree.
Gradually mix the flour into the wet ingredients using a fork or your hands until a dough forms.
Next up, you’ll need to knead the dough until it’s elastic and smooth, kneading it for 8 to 10 minutes should do the trick (In case the dough is sticky, you can add extra flour).
Once the kneading is completed it’s time for you to rest the dough at room temperature for about half an hour to 45 minutes after being wrapped in plastic wrap.
Step: 2: Make the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and taste and adjust seasoning if needed followed by setting it aside.
Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Pasta Dough
Divide the dough into two portions.
Roll out one portion at a time on a floured surface until it’s paper-thin (or use a pasta maker for consistent thickness).
Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pairs of hearts from the dough.
Try to get as many as possible from each sheet.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Ravioli
Place a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of the ricotta filling in the center of half the heart shapes (Be careful not to overfill).
Brush the edges with a little water and place another heart on top.
Gently press the edges to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security and decoration.
Step 5: Cook the Ravioli
Take a big saucepan of salted water and bring it to a slow boil.
And then, for two to three minutes, cook the ravioli in batches until they float to the top (Using a slotted spoon, remove and set aside once cooked).
Step 6: Make the Brown Butter Sage Sauce
The next step is to melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until the butter is golden brown and has a nutty aroma followed by adding the sage leaves and garlic, if using.
Then, take it off the heat and for seasoning sprinkle it with a little salt (About a pinch of salt).
Step 7: Serve and Impress
Toss the cooked ravioli gently in the brown butter sage sauce to coat and arrange them on a plate followed by covering with more sauce, and sprinkling with chopped parsley or Parmesan shavings.
Tips for Making This Valentines Day Recipe A Success
- Use fresh beets: Freshly roasted beets give a vibrant color and subtle sweetness to the dough. Pre-cooked beets can be used, but they might be less flavorful.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Resting the dough ensures it’s pliable and easy to roll out.
- Seal carefully: Pressing and crimping the edges well prevents the ravioli from bursting while cooking.
Variations and Pairing Ideas
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs in the dough with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and use almond ricotta for the filling.
- Pair It Up: Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of sparkling rosé for a complete romantic meal.
- Sweet Twist: Try filling the ravioli with a sweet mascarpone and strawberry mix and top with a chocolate drizzle for dessert ravioli.
My Top Recommended Tools
To make this Valentines day recipe even easier, here are some tools I swear by:
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter for perfectly shaped ravioli.
- High-quality pasta roller for even dough.
- Organic ricotta cheese that’s creamy and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Cooking for someone you love is one of the most thoughtful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
By integrating fresh beets into pasta dough, this recipe offers more than aesthetic appeal – it delivers a nuanced flavor profile that celebrates creativity and connection.
The process of handcrafting these delicate ravioli becomes an act of love itself, inviting couples to collaborate in the kitchen and create something truly special.
From the vibrant crimson dough to the delicate ricotta filling and luxurious brown butter sage sauce, each element contributes to a memorable meal that speaks directly to the heart.
This recipe proves that cooking together can be the most genuine expression of affection.
Try it this Valentine’s Day, and let your cooking be the language of love.
Which food or tradition is your favorite for Valentine’s Day? Share it in the comments below – I’d love to hear your ideas!
