Little pillows of pasta filled with cheese, meat, vegetables or even pumpkin, ravioli is one of Italy's most beloved pasta shapes. National Ravioli Day, on March 20, celebrates it in all its forms, from homemade ravioli with brown butter and sage to canned ravioli remembered from childhood lunches. It is a great day to try making fresh pasta or to explore different fillings and sauces.
History of National Ravioli Day
Stuffed pasta has a long history in Italy. Some of the earliest written references to ravioli come from 14th-century Italy, including a mention in the writings of a merchant from Prato. A 14th-century Venetian cookbook also describes ravioli made with green herbs, cheese and egg.
Ravioli became a festive dish in many Italian regions, each with its own fillings and shapes. In Liguria, ravioli might contain herbs and meat; in Emilia-Romagna, similar stuffed pastas include tortelli filled with pumpkin.
Italian immigrants brought ravioli to the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s. In the 20th century, canned ravioli in tomato sauce, made by Italian-American chef Ettore Boiardi and others, became a popular convenience food. Toasted ravioli, breaded and fried, is a specialty of St. Louis. Who created National Ravioli Day is not documented.
Why National Ravioli Day Matters
Ravioli reflects Italian regional cooking and the creativity of home cooks, who used fillings to stretch leftovers and seasonal ingredients.
Making ravioli by hand is also a satisfying project to share with family and friends.
How to Celebrate National Ravioli Day
- Make fresh ravioli: roll pasta dough, fill and seal with a fork.
- Try a new filling: use butternut squash, mushrooms or spinach and ricotta.
- Make a simple sauce: toss ravioli with brown butter and sage.
- Try toasted ravioli: bread and fry ravioli, St. Louis style.
- Use wonton wrappers: a quick shortcut for homemade ravioli.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a pasta lunch from a local Italian restaurant, with a vegetarian option, makes an easy celebration. In classrooms, making ravioli is a hands-on lesson in measurement, kneading and geography, as students learn where different stuffed pastas come from in Italy and around the world, such as dumplings and pierogi. At home, families can make ravioli together using wonton wrappers; children love spooning in fillings and pressing the edges with a fork. Freeze extra ravioli on a tray before bagging so they don't stick together.
Fun Facts About National Ravioli Day
- Ravioli are mentioned in 14th-century Italian writings.
- Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis specialty.
- Wonton wrappers make a quick shortcut for homemade ravioli.
National Ravioli Day FAQs
When is National Ravioli Day?
National Ravioli Day is March 20.
How long should I cook fresh ravioli?
Usually 3 to 5 minutes in gently boiling salted water, until they float and are tender.
Can I freeze homemade ravioli?
Yes. Freeze them on a tray first, then store in a bag and cook from frozen.
What is toasted ravioli?
Breaded and fried ravioli, a specialty of St. Louis.