Yes, there are many options for gluten free raviolis available today. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, raviolis made with traditional wheat flour are off limits. Thankfully, creative cooks and manufacturers have found ways to make delicious gluten free pasta dough and fillings so everyone can enjoy raviolis.
What is Gluten and Why Do Some People Need to Avoid It?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, gluten doesn’t cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. The only treatment is to completely avoid all foods containing gluten.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that affects about 1% of the population. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks and damages the small intestine. This damage interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. Celiac disease is a serious medical condition that can lead to malnutrition, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility and other problems if left untreated. The only treatment is a 100% gluten free diet.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a milder condition that also responds to a gluten free diet. People with NCGS experience digestive and other symptoms when they eat gluten, but they do not test positive for celiac disease. About 0.5-13% of the population may have NCGS. Many find their symptoms, such as bloating, fatigue and headaches, resolve when they remove gluten from their diets.
Gluten Free Pasta Dough Alternatives
The key to delicious gluten free raviolis is the pasta dough. Traditional pasta contains wheat flour, so other flours and starches must be used to produce gluten free pasta dough. Here are some common alternatives:
Rice Flour
Rice flour naturally contains no gluten, making it a popular choice for gluten free baking. White and brown rice flours work well in pasta. For the lightest texture, a blend of rice flours is best.
Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour is extracted from cassava root. It provides structure and chewiness to gluten free dough. Tapioca flour on its own can be gummy, so it’s typically combined with other flours.
Potato Starch
Potato starch gives great texture and binding capabilities. Up to 30% potato starch can be used when making gluten free pasta dough.
Corn Flour
Corn flour adds flavor and texture. Combine it with rice flour for a hearty, gluten free pasta dough.
Xanthan Gum
This additive helps replicate the elasticity and binding ability of gluten. A small amount, around 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour, improves the structure of gluten free dough.
Guar Gum
Like xanthan gum, this helps bind and add flexibility to gluten free pasta dough. Use sparingly as it can result in a slimy texture.
Tips for Making Gluten Free Pasta Dough
Use a Blend of Flours
For the best texture and performance, use a combination of flours like rice, tapioca, potato and corn instead of just one. This gives the dough more structure.
Include Binders
Add xanthan gum, guar gum or egg to help the flours bind together and mimic the elasticity of gluten.
Rest the Dough
Let the dough rest for 30 minutes before rolling it out to allow the flours to fully hydrate. This helps prevent cracking and sticking.
Work Quickly
Gluten free dough becomes sticky and difficult to work with fast. Roll out the dough right after mixing and shaping. Refrigerate to firm it up if needed.
Use Extra Flour
Have extra gluten free flour or cornstarch on hand to sprinkle over the dough when rolling it out. This prevents sticking.
Boil Immediately
Cook gluten free pasta right after cutting it or the delicate dough will fall apart. Handle it gently.
Filling Gluten Free Raviolis
Once you’ve made great gluten free pasta sheets, use your favorite fillings to stuff the raviolis:
Cheese
Classic raviolis feature creamy ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella or mascarpone cheeses. Herbs and spices add flavor.
Meats
Cooked, finely chopped meats like chicken, pork or beef make hearty ravioli fillings.
Seafood
Crab, shrimp and lobster are delicious in raviolis. Ensure seafood is cooked fully before stuffing.
Vegetables
Try roasted vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash or mushrooms seasoned with olive oil, garlic and herbs.
Legumes
Pureed white beans, lentils or chickpeas with olive oil and seasonings create a protein-packed plant-based filling.
Combinations
Mix and match ingredients like cooked sausage and cheese, shrimp and mascarpone, or spinach and ricotta for tasty flavor combinations.
Brands of Gluten Free Raviolis
For convenience, several brands now offer pre-made refrigerated or frozen gluten free raviolis:
Cappello’s
This brand makes frozen pasta including gluten free ravioli with fillings like beef, cheese, mushroom and spinach.
Rustichella
They produce gourmet gluten free pasta including cheese, mushroom and spinach raviolis.
DeLallo
DeLallo has refrigerated and frozen classic filled pastas including gluten free cheese raviolis.
Rizopia
Rizopia focuses on gluten free pasta. They have filled pastas like vegan butternut squash ravioli.
Taste Republic
This brand has gluten free raviolis stuffed with options like lobster and mozzarella or wild mushroom and parmesan.
Other Brands
More brands like Mezzetta, Bionaturae and Gillian’s Foods also offer gluten free raviolis. Check your grocer’s freezer section.
Recipes for Homemade Gluten Free Raviolis
Making raviolis from scratch lets you control the ingredients. Here are some tasty gluten free homemade recipes to try:
Gluten Free Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli
This classic pairing makes a light and creamy filling. The spinach adds nutrition while the ricotta provides richness.
Shrimp Scampi Ravioli
Buttery shrimp mixed with scampi sauce is stuffed in tender gluten free pasta pockets for an elegant seafood ravioli.
Simple Gluten Free Cheese Ravioli
Just combining shredded mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta and herbs makes an easy cheesy filling for basic raviolis.
Crab and Lobster Ravioli
For decadence, use a blend of lump crab meat and lobster meat seasoned with lemon and parsley as the filling.
Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli
The fall flavors of roasted pumpkin, brown butter and sage pair nicely in oven-baked gluten free raviolis.
Beef and Pork Ravioli
Hearty ground beef and sausage come together for a robust tomato-basil ravioli filling.
Tips for Cooking and Serving Gluten Free Raviolis
Once your gluten free raviolis are prepared, use these tips for best results:
Boil Gently
Cook raviolis in plenty of boiling water. Gentle boiling prevents fragile gluten free dough from falling apart.
Don’t Overcook
Gluten free pasta turns soggy more quickly. Cook raviolis for just 2-3 minutes until al dente.
Shock in Cold Water
For firmer texture, drain boiled raviolis and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Saute Lightly
For pan fried raviolis, use olive oil and frequently turn over with care to evenly brown without sticking.
Bake Carefully
If baking gluten free raviolis, select a well-greased dish and bake at a low temperature like 300°F to avoid burning.
Toss with Sauce
Toss baked or boiled raviolis lightly with your favorite sauce. Too much moisture will make them mushy.
Eat Fresh
Gluten free pasta doesn’t hold well, so freshly cooked gluten free raviolis are best. Use leftovers within a day or two.
Gluten Free Ravioli Meal Ideas
Raviolis are endlessly adaptable to create easy gluten free meals:
Ravioli Lasagna
Layer gluten free cheese raviolis, marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella or ricotta for fast lasagna.
Ravioli Soup
Toss gluten free beef raviolis into simmering broth with tomatoes, spinach and mini meatballs for a hearty soup.
Ravioli Casserole
Combine cooked gluten free spinach raviolis, marinara sauce, chopped veggies and cheese and bake until bubbly.
Ravioli Salad
Chill cooked seafood raviolis, then toss with mixed greens, olives, artichoke hearts and Italian dressing for a pasta salad.
Ravioli Appetizer Bites
Top bite-sized roasted squash raviolis with brown butter, Parmesan and pumpkin seeds for an easy appetizer.
Ravioli Stir Fry
Saute sliced cooked pork raviolis quickly with stir fried veggies and serve with teriyaki or sweet chili glaze.
Are Fresh Gluten Free Raviolis Available at Restaurants?
Dining out with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can be tricky, but many restaurants now offer fresh gluten free pasta dishes:
Italian Restaurants
Italian spots often have gluten free pasta options. Check for homemade gluten free raviolis – they may even make them to order.
Pizza Places
Pizza chains like Blaze Pizza allow you to build your own gluten free pizza with vegan or dairy-free cheese and gluten free crusts. Load it up with your favorite gluten free ravioli toppings!
Upscale Steakhouses and Seafood Restaurants
Finer dining restaurants have caught up to the demand for gluten free dishes. Look for gluten free pasta listed right on the main menu.
Food Trucks and Pop-Up Restaurants
Younger, hipper kitchens are tapping into gluten free diets and offering items like fresh raviolis. Ask about ingredients and preparation.
Dedicated Gluten Free Restaurants
Eateries that specifically cater to gluten free and celiac diners offer all gluten free menus with dishes like homemade raviolis.
Call Ahead to Confirm
To be safe, call ahead to confirm restaurants have genuine gluten free ravioli options made without cross-contamination.
Are Gluten Free Raviolis Healthy?
Going gluten free by itself does not necessarily make raviolis a healthy option. But gluten free raviolis can be part of a nutritious diet:
Choose High Protein Fillings
Fillings with lean meat, seafood, legumes or dairy provide protein to help you feel full and satisfied.
Load up on Veggies
Spinach, pumpkin, mushroom and other veggie stuffed raviolis add vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Avoid Fatty Fillings
Limit heavily fried or fatty fillings like sausages and instead opt for plant-based or lean meat choices.
Watch Portion Sizes
Pasta is high in carbohydrates, so keep gluten free ravioli servings reasonable – about 1/2 to 1 cup cooked.
Avoid Heavy Sauces
Skip dousing raviolis in high fat cream or cheese sauces. Choose tomato sauce for moisture instead.
Balance Your Plate
Round out gluten free ravioli meals with nutritious sides like salads, grilled veggies and quinoa to make it a well-balanced dish.
Make Smart Swaps
Sub in whole grain or legume pasta and use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for healthier gluten free recipes.
Conclusion
Gluten free raviolis are readily available today in grocery stores or for homemade cooking. The trick is finding or making pasta dough with ingredients like rice flour instead of wheat. Fillings can range from classic cheeses to unique options like squash and seafood. Top gluten free raviolis simply with sauce or get creative and incorporate them into casseroles, soups or stir fries. With planning and smart substitutions, gluten free raviolis can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance no longer have to miss out on the delicious experience of tender pasta pockets stuffed with cheesy, meaty or veggie goodness.
