The Vegetarian Pasta Recipe That Ritz-Carlton Guests Order Over And Over Again (Authentic Italian Food)

Love authentic Italian pasta? You are going to devour this Ravioli Caprese recipe straight from the kitchen of TOCA in Toronto.

This isn’t just any vegetarian pasta recipe because it is TOCA’s Signature Ravioli Caprese. It continues to be one of the most popular dishes that guests come back for over and over again.

Now you can “travel to Toronto” and get a taste of Capri with your tastebuds and recreate this simple yet flavorful main course without leaving your house thanks to Executive Chef Paul Shewchuk and Partner Chef Oliver Glowig at The Ritz-Carlton, one of the Michelin Guide hotels in Toronto.

Want more recipes? Try other Toronto Restaurant Signature Recipes or Creamy Salmon Pasta.

What is Ravioli Caprese

Ravioli Caprese is a traditional stuffed pasta dish originating from the island of Capri in Italy. Unlike standard ravioli that uses egg-heavy pasta dough and meat fillings, this unique version is lighter and fluffier.

The dough is traditionally made with just flour, boiling water and a little olive oil which creates a very distinct texture compared to egg pasta.

The filling highlights Caciotta cheese and marjoram which makes it a vegetarian favorite that feels incredibly indulgent. It basically takes the flavors of a Caprese salad and hides them inside a pillowy pasta pocket.

Why You’ll Love This Ravioli Caprese Recipe

“TOCA’s Signature Ravioli Caprese continues to be one of the most popular dishes that guests come back to over and over again. It is a simple dish, full of flavour.“

– TOCA

You will love this recipe because it is simpler than it looks but tastes like you spent all day cooking. The restaurant describes it as a simple dish full of flavor and that is exactly what home cooks need.

It is a fantastic option for a vegetarian main course that satisfies meat eaters too because the cheese filling is so savory and rich. Also, you can always add meat toppings or dishes on the side.

The sauce uses simple, high-quality ingredients like sweet Datterino tomatoes and fresh basil which makes it fresh and vibrant.

Plus the dough method uses hot water which means you don’t have to worry about tempering eggs into the flour.

The recipe and image for ravioli caprese was provided by TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton to be included in the list of Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes. If you made this Toronto recipe, share you creation on Instagram, and tag @tocatoronto and @travellingfoodie.

What You Need for Ravioli Caprese

To make this restaurant-quality dish, you need a few specific tools and ingredients to get the texture just right.

Equipment

• Meat Grinder: You need this to process the cheese filling to get that perfect, consistent grain without melting it.
• Stand Mixer with Paddle: This makes kneading the hot water dough much safer and easier than doing it by hand.
• Large Pot: A heavy-bottomed pot is best for sweating the aromatics and cooking the tomato sauce evenly.
• Blender or Food Mill (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, though this rustic style works great with just a spoon.

Key Ingredients

• Caciotta Cheese: This is the star of the show because this semi-soft Italian cheese provides a mild, milky flavor that melts beautifully inside the pasta.
• Marjoram: This herb adds a floral, citrusy aroma that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Pickled Pomodoro Datterino Tomatoes: These small, elongated tomatoes are incredibly sweet and the pickling adds a nice tang to the sauce.
• Fresh Cherry Tomatoes: Adding fresh tomatoes gives the sauce a burst of brightness and texture.
• 00 Flour or All-Purpose Flour: Good quality flour is essential since the dough relies on it for structure.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You want to use the good stuff here for sautéing and for the dough to add richness.

How To Make Ravioli Caprese at TOCA Toronto

Here is how Executive Chef Paul Shewchuk and Partner Chef Oliver Glowig prepare the components for this signature dish.

Prepare the Caciotta Stuffing

First, you want to cut your dried Caciotta cheese into small, manageable cubes. Take your fresh marjoram leaves and mix them in with the cheese cubes so the flavors start to meld.

Next, put this cheese and herb mixture through a clean meat grinder to process it into a fine consistency.

Once ground, add the two whole eggs to the mixture and combine it until it holds together. Portion this mixture into 20g balls and set them aside to be filled into the ravioli later.

Cook the Tomato Sauce

Start by preparing your vegetables. Slice the raw cherry tomatoes in half and finely dice (brunoise) the shallots. Open your jars of pickled tomatoes and drain the liquid.

In a pot, heat up your olive oil and sweat the garlic and diced shallots until they turn translucent and smell amazing.

Add both the drained pickled tomatoes and the raw cherry tomatoes to the pot. Toss in your fresh basil and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes until it thickens to the consistency you like.

Make the Ravioli Dough

Heat your water on the stove until it reaches approximately 80°C. While that heats up, set up your mixer with the paddle attachment.

Add the flour, olive oil and the hot water into the mixer. Knead the mixture until the dough comes together and forms a smooth ball.

From here, you would typically roll out the dough, place your cheese balls inside, seal them and boil them in salted water until they float.

Want a kitchen gadget pasta instead? Try our Ninja Speedi Penne Pasta with Sausage.

FAQs and Helpful Tips for Ravioli Caprese for Beginners

Here are some answers to common questions to help you nail this recipe on the first try.

About TOCA in Toronto

TOCA offers handcrafted Italian cuisine complemented by seasonal flavours and locally-sourced produce in collaboration with Chef Oliver Glowig, one of Rome’s most celebrated culinary leaders.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto’s Entertainment District, the restaurant occupies the mezzanine level of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, one of the Michelin Guide Hotels.

Also Read: Best Toronto Happy Hour

What Dishes to Serve with Ravioli Caprese

Since this is a rich pasta main course, you want to pair it with sides and proteins that complement the tomato and cheese flavors.

• Air Fryer Fried Fish: This crispy seafood appetizer is a classic Italian starter that is light enough to eat before pasta.
• Air Fryer Steak: If you want a surf and turf vibe or a hearty protein to go with your pasta, a perfectly cooked steak is the way to go.
• Air Fryer Bacon: These bacon adds a crispy, savory and salty element that pairs beautifully with the sweet tomato sauce of the ravioli.
• Instant Pot Pork Ribs: For a true Italian feast, serve the ravioli alongside this tender braised meat dish.
• Prosciutto and Cheese Cupcakes: Finish the meal with a creamy Italian dessert that’ uses fresh fruit’s sweet and savoury to cleanse the palate.

TOCA’s Ravioli Caprese Recipe

Be sure to bookmark/save/pin this post so you know how to make ravioli caprese from TOCA at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto at home!

I would love to see how this recipe worked for you! Please share your creations with me on social media and tag me so I can check them out: @TravellingFoodie on Instagram & Facebook and @TravellinFoodie on Twitter.

Hope this vegetarian recipe gives you an idea on what dish to make for your main course or side dish for dinners or date nights. This ravioli is proof that you can make fine dining food at home. Perfect for meatless Mondays!

Let me know what other Italian dish or pasta recipes you’d like to see or from which Toronto restaurant.