The Classic Italian Family Recipe You Need to Make: Ravioli Gnudi -

Introduction

If you’re looking for a timeless Italian dish that is both comforting and elegant, look no further than ravioli gnudi. This Tuscan favorite, sometimes called “naked ravioli,” consists of tender ricotta and spinach dumplings that are light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Unlike traditional ravioli, gnudi skips the pasta wrapper, allowing the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth filling to take center stage.

This dish is rooted in tradition, often passed down through generations, just like the story behind the recipe shared here. I first learned about ravioli gnudi from a friend whose family hails from Lucca, Italy. Every Sunday, their family would gather for a homemade meal featuring Italian classics, and ravioli gnudi was a staple. Now, this treasured recipe is yours to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

In this guide, I’ll take you through Paula’s family recipe, along with her essential tips for making the best ravioli gnudi. Plus, we’ll explore serving suggestions, variations, pairing ideas, and even some unique twists to elevate this dish to a restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Ravioli Gnudi

Simple Yet Elegant: Made with just a few ingredients, yet the flavors are rich and luxurious.
Comforting and Authentic: A true Italian comfort food that embodies tradition and family heritage.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy with olive oil and Parmesan, or serve with a rich tomato sauce for extra depth.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Cooking: These dumplings freeze well, making meal prep easier.
Delicate Yet Satisfying: Light ricotta dumplings that offer a perfectly balanced dish.
Great for Family Cooking: A fun dish to make with kids and loved ones.
Ideal for Special Occasions: Impress guests with a traditional, gourmet Italian dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make 12 appetizer servings of ravioli gnudi, you’ll need:

Dumpling Base:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 (16-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry (about 2 cups)
1 cup (8 ounces) full-fat ricotta cheese
3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil (for a fresh herbal note)
Zest of 1 lemon (for a citrusy brightness)
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (for extra cheesiness)
1 tablespoon finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a tangy contrast)

How to Make Ravioli Gnudi

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Mixture

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add drained spinach and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to remove excess moisture.
Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make and Chill the Dumpling Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, flour, Parmesan, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and thyme.
Fold in the cooled spinach mixture until well incorporated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 1 day) to firm up.

Step 3: Shape the Dumplings

Sprinkle flour onto a clean work surface.
Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of the ricotta mixture, roll them in your hands to form small balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze the dumplings until solid (at least 1 hour).

Step 4: Cook the Ravioli Gnudi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
Drop the frozen gnudi into the water and cook until they float to the top (about 3-5 minutes).
Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve as is, or pair with your favorite marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Style: Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
With Sauce: Serve with homemade marinara, brown butter sage sauce, or a light Alfredo sauce.
As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Topped with Protein: Add crispy prosciutto, pancetta, or sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.

Unique Twists on Ravioli Gnudi

Truffle-Infused Gnudi:

Add truffle oil to the dough for a gourmet twist.
Serve with a light cream sauce infused with truffle.

Lemon-Herb Ricotta Gnudi:

Incorporate lemon zest and fresh parsley for a citrusy, refreshing bite.
Serve with a white wine butter sauce.

Spicy Arrabbiata Gnudi:

Add red pepper flakes and chopped Calabrian chiles to the dough.
Serve with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for heat lovers.

Expert Tips for the Best Ravioli Gnudi

Drain the Ricotta Well: Excess moisture makes the dough too soft.
Chill Before Cooking: Freezing ensures they hold their shape in boiling water.
Avoid Overworking the Dough: Overmixing makes the dumplings dense.
Use a Light Touch When Rolling: Gently shape the gnudi to keep them airy.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to add herbs, cheeses, or spices to customize your gnudi.

FAQs

Can I Make Ravioli Gnudi Ahead of Time?

Yes! Freeze the dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Keep cooked gnudi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in simmering water or with a light sauce.

Can I Use Fresh Spinach?

Absolutely! Sauté 10 ounces of fresh spinach, then chop and drain well before adding to the mixture.

Final Thoughts

Ravioli gnudi is a beautiful, traditional Italian dish that is simple to make yet bursting with flavor. Whether served with olive oil and Parmesan or paired with a rich tomato sauce, these dumplings are sure to become a family favorite.

Not only is this dish easy to prepare, but it also carries with it a deep sense of tradition and history, making every bite a celebration of Italian cuisine. Its versatility allows for endless customization, whether you prefer a light, delicate dish or something heartier with a bold, rich sauce. The simplicity of ravioli gnudi also makes it an excellent choice for home cooks of all skill levels—whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting your journey into Italian cooking, this dish is both forgiving and rewarding.

Additionally, ravioli gnudi pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and proteins, making it an excellent main course or appetizer for any meal. Enjoy it alongside a crisp, refreshing salad, serve it with crusty garlic bread for a more indulgent experience, or complement it with a glass of Italian wine to elevate your dining experience.

Try making ravioli gnudi for your next Italian-inspired meal and experience a taste of Tuscany in your own kitchen! The joy of this dish lies not just in its incredible flavor but in the process of making it—rolling each dumpling by hand, sharing the preparation with loved ones, and savoring the results around the table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, ravioli gnudi is a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.