A few posts back, I wrote a recipe for tortellini and meat marinara sauce. Ever since, I’ve felt nothing but guilt. I didn’t make the tortellini, I bought it. And, it was frozen. I know it’s not a big deal, but I just felt like a cheat. So I got to thinking, “pasta can’t be THAT hard, right?” Well, I will say this, it does require a little elbow grease, so have your muscles ready.

OK, OK. Don’t be afraid. I’m only teasing (a little). Truly, when it was all said and done, my family more than approved. In fact, they’ve asked for more pasta dishes. Hand made of course! Hmmm…maybe a pasta machine is in my future?

3 Cheese Ravioli:

Cheese Filling:

1/2 cup ricotta cheese, well drained- $.50
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated- $.25
1/4 cup mozzarella- $.30
1 egg- $.15
1 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (Oregano, Basil, Marjoram and Thyme) – pantry
1/2 tsp garlic powder – pantry
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
pepper to taste – pantry

COST: $1.20

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Pasta Dough:

5 egg yolks – $.75
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting – $.50
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
water

COST: $1.25

I looked at 10 or so recipes and instructions for homemade pasta dough and they all basically have the same four ingredients; flour, eggs (or yolks), salt and water. However, many of them also gave directions if using a mixer or pasta maker. I don’t have either one, so when I saw a website that read, “How to Make Homemade Ravioli. All You Need is a Rolling Pin. Easy Pasta Making Instructions and Tips!“, that’s exactly where I went.

I think you can do the same, so have fun and enjoy your ravioli. I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised!

Marinara Sauce:

1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped – $.30
1 large can crushed or diced tomatoes – $1.19
1 small can tomato sauce – $.25
1 Tbsp Olive oil – pantry
1 1/2 Tbsp minced or crushed garlic – pantry
1/2 tsp salt – pantry
2 Tbsp Dried Italian herb mix (Oregano, Basil, Marjoram and Thyme), but if you have fresh, that’s even better – pantry
1 tsp pepper – pantry
1 tsp red chile pepper flakes/pequine (optional) – pantry

COST: $1.69

For sauce, add a little olive oil to large sauce pan as well as chopped onion and cook a few minutes. Just till onion is transparent. Add garlic and stir. Cook for just a minute or so more, then add crushed or diced tomato and tomato sauce, herbs, salt, pepper and chili flakes. Stir and bring to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 15-20 mins. Serve over cooked/strained ravioli and top with a sprinkle of parmesan. You can also pair with a fresh salad and garlic toast. Completely optional!

Side Salad:

Mixed greens, whatever’s on sale – $.99
1 Large Roma Tomato – $.15
1 red Pepper – $.77
Salt and Pepper to taste – pantry

COST: $1.91

GRAND TOTAL: $6.05