If your first thought at the mention of “ravioli” is “Chef Boyardee,” we need to talk. You’re an adult now and your tastes have matured. It’s time to ditch the can for the fresh, homemade pasta that reminds you why you love Italian food so much!

What is ravioli exactly?

Ravioli comes from the old Italian word for wrap, riavvolgere, and there are few menu items that can be stuffed more creatively than ravioli! Although most ravioli is traditionally square, you’ve probably also seen it in round or rectangular form. Regardless of the shape, the idea is the same: fill the two pieces of dough with mounds of just about anything (e.g., cheese, beef, pork, vegetables, chicken or seafood) then pinch the edges closed to keep everything inside.

You’ll find a variety of cooking methods—baked, fried, boiled—for ravioli, but there’s no one way to do it right. Some are served with a rich tomato or alfredo sauce on top, while others (such as fried ravioli) may be served with a sauce on the side for dipping.

There are even sweet versions of ravioli, which use ingredients such as ricotta, chocolate chip, cinnamon, Nutella or candied fruit.

What’s the history of ravioli?

Ravioli can be found in texts as far back as Medieval times. Perhaps the earliest mention is in the writings of Francesco di Marco, a Venetian merchant, in the 14^th century.

Other countries use similar formats to ravioli. In India, for example, they serve a dish called Gujiya. Gujiya is a sweeter form of ravioli that’s filled with dried fruits, spices and sugar and then deep fried in oil. It’s often served during the Holi festival.

Ravioli at 3 Sons

At 3 Sons Italian, we serve three types of ravioli:

• Toasted Cheese Ravioli (appetizer)
• Ricotta Ravioli (cheese ravioli in marinara with meatballs or sausage)
• Butternut Squash Ravioli (ravioli served in brown butter sauce, finished with sliced almonds)

We also serve a 3 Sons Split Plate, which includes our cheese filled ravioli and spaghetti in marinara sauce with meatballs or sausage.

Our rotating specials and special menus also include different types of ravioli. On Easter, for example, we offer a lobster ravioli in lemon cream sauce with capers. Delicious!

Fun facts about ravioli

• March 20 is National Ravioli Day.
• The record for the longest ravioli was 96 feet, 1 inch in 2013.
• Italian tradition often includes serving a vegetarian ravioli on Fridays. While meat may be served, it’s often as a side or later in the meal.

Stop by today to try our ravioli or try our delivery service! https://www.doordash.com/store/3-sons-italian-restaurant-bar-arvada-35922/

Don’t forget to purchase your Family Card! Similar to a frequent-diner card, this $25 card entitles the holder to get $10 off your food or $20 off any bottle of wine when you purchase two entrees. And it’s good for one year from the date you purchase it!

Buon Appetito!    

3 Sons Italian Restaurant & Bar

14805 West 64^th Ave., Arvada

303-455-4366

www.3sonsitalian.com