The Art of Traditional Italian Cuisine: A Pineville Tavern Tradition
Walking into Pineville Tavern is like stepping into a culinary time machine, transporting you to the heart of Italy and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. The restaurant's menu is a testament to this heritage, with dishes that are both authentic and mouth-watering. One such dish is the ravioli, which has been a staple in the tavern for years.
According to owner and chef, [Name], the recipe for the ravioli was brought over from Italy by her great-grandmother Clara, who made them for church dinners. The tradition of making ravioli has been passed down through the generations, with each generation adding its own twist to the recipe. Now, [Name] is the fourth generation in America to make these delicious pasta pockets.
The secret to making the perfect ravioli lies in the filling. [Name] uses a combination of beef, veal, and pork, which are finely minced and mixed together with shallots, garlic, salt, black pepper, and granulated garlic. The mixture is then cooled down before being combined with a generous helping of ricotta cheese, parmesan mozzarella cheese, chopped flat leaf parsley, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and a precise measurement of eggs. The filling is the "Mount Vesuvius" of cheeses, as [Name] puts it, and can never have too much.
The dough for the ravioli is equally important, and is made from simple ingredients such as flour and eggs. The mixture is then rested for a few minutes before being rolled out to the perfect thickness. The pasta is cut into large sheets, which are then filled with the meat mixture and sealed using a fork. The seal is created by pressing down on the pasta with the tines of the fork, creating a perfectly sealed pocket.
The marinara sauce that accompanies the ravioli is just as important as the filling. [Name] uses a basic recipe made from olive oil, garlic, and canned Italian plum tomatoes San Marzano. The sauce is cooked until it's reduced to a perfect balance of creaminess and acidity, which complements the rich flavor of the cheese.
Finally, the ravioli are cooked in boiling water until they float to the surface. They're then served with a sprinkle of grated locatelli romano cheese and a drizzle of the marinara sauce. The result is a dish that's both familiar and comforting, yet unique and exciting all at once.
Homemade Cheese Ravioli: A Taste Experience
The moment you take your first bite of homemade cheese ravioli from Pineville Tavern, you know you're in for a treat. The pasta pockets are thin and delicate, with just the right amount of filling to satisfy your cravings. The cheese is melted to perfection, and the flavors all come together in harmony.
As you savor each bite, the acidity of the marinara sauce cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The pasta itself is cooked to perfection, with just enough firmness to hold its shape. And the filling? Ah, the filling! It's like a symphony of flavors on your tongue, with each bite revealing new and exciting notes.
The beauty of homemade cheese ravioli lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and some basic techniques, you can create a dish that's both authentic and delicious. And when it's made with love and care, as it is at Pineville Tavern, the result is truly something special.
The Story Behind the Recipe
As [Name] explains, the recipe for the ravioli was passed down to her through generations of Italian women in her family. Each woman added her own twist to the recipe, making it their own and sharing it with their daughters. When [Name] took over the tavern, she knew that she had a responsibility to carry on this tradition.
She spent countless hours researching and experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until she finally hit upon the perfect recipe. And now, years later, she's still tweaking and refining the recipe, always looking for ways to improve it.
The result is a dish that's both authentic and delicious, with each bite transporting you to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a foodie or just someone who loves good pasta, homemade cheese ravioli from Pineville Tavern is a must-try.