Ravioli are a popular first course in many regions of Italy, each offering its own original version. Both their shape and filling vary depending on the geographical origin, showcasing the vast diversity of Italian cuisine. Similarly, Capri’s ravioli differ from others in some unique ways. The most important distinction is that the egg is not found in the dough, which is made of flour, but in the filling. It is this filling that imparts the distinctive flavor to the dish: a soft mixture of caciotta cheese, Parmesan, and marjoram. At this point, we must also mention the sauce: true Caprese ravioli are served with a fresh tomato sauce that recalls the island’s flavors, topped with a fragrant basil leaf.
The Caprese ravioli at Ristorante Da Gelsomina are among the most traditional you can find on the island.
They are still made with a dough base of water and flour, hand-worked and rolled out. The filling is made exclusively with fresh caciotta, marjoram, eggs, and Parmesan. This is also prepared by hand, without the aid of machinery. It is the original recipe of Grandma Gelsomina: today, Teresa is the one in the kitchen preparing them, using the same care and love that guided her mother-in-law’s hands.
When it’s time to prepare this dish, the cook’s movements repeat with the mastery that only years of experience can guarantee.
These gestures were passed down by Gelsomina, who observed the preparation of the dish, and now Teresa repeats them with the confidence and skill of someone who learned the process through practice. Even the quantities are not written down: in the kitchen, Teresa is guided more by her emotions than by detailed instructions, following the advice and recommendations of those who prepared the ravioli before her.
The result is a dish where everything comes together perfectly, one that not only delights the palate but also engages the senses. Framing the dish is an essential element: the family atmosphere and tradition at Ristorante Da Gelsomina, where guests always feel the warmth and hospitality, just like at home.
