Ravioli
In its own language: Ravioliai
Stuffed pasta parcels, usually square, with varied fillings and sauces
Ravioli are small pasta envelopes filled with a savoury mixture, most often cheese, vegetables, or meat, and served in broth or with sauce. Originating in Italy, ravioli are now found in many countries, with regional fillings and shapes. They are eaten at home, in restaurants, and as a snack or main meal.
- Ravioli are usually square but can be round or half-moon shaped
- Fillings range from cheese and spinach to meat or lemon rind
- First recorded in 14th-century Italian cookbooks
- Toasted ravioli is a deep-fried version from St. Louis, Missouri
- French ravioles du Dauphiné are mini cheese-filled ravioli
What is Ravioli?
Ravioli are small parcels of pasta dough wrapped around a filling. The pasta is typically made from flour, water, and sometimes eggs, rolled thin. Fillings differ by region and can include ricotta cheese, spinach, herbs, meat, or even lemon rind. The most common shape is square, but round and half-moon forms also exist. Ravioli are served in broth or with sauces such as tomato or mascarpone. The taste and texture depend on the filling and sauce, ranging from mild and creamy to rich and savoury.
Where does Ravioli come from?
Ravioli have their roots in Italy, with references dating back to the 14th century. Early mentions appear in cookbooks and personal letters, showing the dish was well known in places like Venice and Rome. The name entered English and French in the same era. Theories about the word's origin include links to turnips or a type of cheese, but these are unproven. Over time, ravioli spread beyond Italy, adapting to local tastes and ingredients.
How is Ravioli made?
To make ravioli, thin sheets of pasta dough are prepared and cut into shapes. A small amount of filling is placed on one sheet, then covered with another, and the edges are pressed to seal. Fillings vary: ricotta and spinach with nutmeg and pepper in Rome, ricotta with lemon rind in Sardinia, and meat or cheese in other regions. Some versions use only water and flour for the dough. Ravioli can be made by hand or by machine, and are cooked by boiling.
How and when is Ravioli eaten?
Ravioli are eaten as a main course or sometimes as a snack. They may be served in broth, especially in traditional settings, or topped with a sauce such as tomato, ragù, or mascarpone. In summer, lighter sauces are common, while richer sauces are used in winter. In France, some ravioli are served au gratin. Toasted ravioli, a deep-fried version, is popular as an appetizer in the United States. Ravioli are enjoyed at home, in restaurants, and as a convenience food.
Kinds of Ravioli
Regional and international versions of ravioli show great variety. In Italy, shapes and fillings change from place to place. In France, the Drôme region has small cheese-filled ravioles. In Cyprus, ravioli are filled with halloumi cheese and served with mint. The United States has canned and toasted forms. Argentina’s sorrentinos are large and often filled with ham and cheese. Each version adapts the basic idea to local ingredients and tastes.
What Ravioli means
Ravioli are a symbol of Italian home cooking and tradition, often made by families together. The dish has traveled widely, becoming part of French, American, and Cypriot cuisines. In the United States, ravioli are available canned or frozen, making them a familiar comfort food. In France, certain types have a regional identity. Ravioli’s adaptability has helped it remain popular and recognizable in many cultures.
Questions people ask about Ravioli
What is ravioli made of?
Ravioli are made from thin pasta dough, usually of flour, water, and sometimes eggs, wrapped around a filling such as cheese, vegetables, or meat.
Where did ravioli originate?
Ravioli originated in Italy and have been mentioned in Italian cookbooks and letters since the 14th century.
How is ravioli usually served?
Ravioli are typically served in broth or with a sauce, such as tomato, ragù, or mascarpone, depending on the region and season.
Are there different kinds of ravioli?
Yes, ravioli vary by region and country, with different shapes and fillings. Examples include cheese and spinach in Italy, halloumi in Cyprus, and deep-fried versions in the United States.
Is ravioli vegetarian or does it contain meat?
Ravioli can be vegetarian, filled with cheese or vegetables, or contain meat. The filling depends on the recipe and region.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Ravioli", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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