Indulge in Creamy, Low-Carb Mozzarella Ravioli on the Keto Diet
If you love pasta but are following a keto diet, you don't have to give up enjoying delicious ravioli. Making keto-friendly ravioli at home with mozzarella is easy and satisfying. This cheese is the perfect low-carb swap for traditional pasta dough.
Benefits of Mozzarella on Keto
Mozzarella is one of the best cheeses to eat on a ketogenic diet. Here's why it's great for keto:
- Low in carbs - Just 3-4 net carbs per ounce
- High in fat - 80% of its calories come from fat
- Excellent source of protein - Contains all 9 essential amino acids
- Rich, creamy texture
- Melts smoothly
Look for fresh mozzarella rather than low-moisture, packaged mozzarella for the creamiest nutrition and texture for ravioli. Part-skim varieties are fine too.
Tips for Making Keto Mozzarella Ravioli
Here are some pointers for preparing perfect mozzarella ravioli at home:
- Make sure mozzarella is room temperature for easy rolling
- Use a vegetable peeler to slice thin sheets from a mozzarella block
- Cut sheets into manageable squares to use as ravioli wrappers
- Add an egg to the filling to help bind ingredients
- Chill assembled raviolis 20-30 minutes before cooking to set
- Boil gently to prevent tearing delicate cheese wrappers
Customize Your Fillings
Get creative with different flavor combinations for keto-friendly ravioli fillings:
- Spinach, mushroom, and ricotta
- Chicken, pesto, and cream cheese
- Sausage, bell pepper, and oregano
- Shrimp, lemon zest, and garlic
- Eggplant, walnut, and Parmesan
Recipe for Keto Mozzarella Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper-Basil Filling
This tasty recipe combines two types of cheese with the vibrant flavors of basil and roasted red peppers. It makes a fresh and vibrant meatless meal.
Ingredients
- 1 block fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup drained roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Slice mozzarella block into thin sheets using a hot knife or vegetable peeler.
- Cut sheets into 2-3 inch squares.
- Make the filling by combining ricotta, egg, roasted red peppers, basil, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Place 1 tbsp filling onto each mozzarella square.
- Brush edges of square with a small amount of water.
- Top with another mozzarella square and press edges firmly together to seal.
- Chill raviolis 20-30 minutes to set.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to gentle simmer.
- Cook raviolis 3-5 minutes until cheese wrappers are tender but not falling apart.
- Remove raviolis with a slotted spoon. Serve sprinkled with grated Parmesan if desired.
You can store leftover keto mozzarella ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
More Delicious Keto Meals with Mozzarella
In addition to ravioli, mozzarella shines in all kinds of keto recipes. Here are more meal ideas:
Keto Mozzarella Chicken Casserole
Layers of sliced chicken breast, spinach, mozzarella and creamy Parmesan sauce get baked until bubbly.
Mozzarella Egg Muffins
Whip up a batch of these grab-and-go egg muffins with mozzarella, sausage, and vegetables for easy keto breakfasts.
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Ground beef and pork get rolled around gooey mozzarella centers for an Italian-inspired low-carb dinner.
Caprese Zucchini Boats
Halved and hollowed zucchinis become the perfect vessels for filling with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Mozzarella Crust Pizza
Pizza lovers, rejoice! Melted mozzarella makes the foundation for a customizable keto pizza crust.
Potential Concerns with Eating Mozzarella on Keto
Mozzarella offers many benefits for keto dieters. But a few things to keep in mind include:
Allergies and Sensitivities
Mozzarella contains dairy, which can cause issues for those with allergies or sensitivities. Opt for dairy-free cheese if needed.
Quality Variations
Nutrition profile can vary slightly between fresh and low-moisture mozzarella. Check labels for carb counts.
High Sodium
Mozzarella contains more sodium than other cheeses. Limit intake if you need to restrict sodium.
Contains Lactose
While low in lactose for a dairy food, mozzarella still contains some. Tolerances vary between individuals.
Easy to Overeat
Mozzarella's mild flavor and creamy texture make it easy to overconsume. Track serving sizes to stay within macros.
Make Keto-Friendly Mozzarella Ravioli
Whipping up keto mozzarella ravioli is a creamy, mouthwatering way to replace traditional carb-laden pasta. Mozzarella shines as a low-carb, high-fat swap for pasta dough. Get creative with fillings and enjoy this Italian classic transformed into a keto-friendly meal!
FAQs
Is fresh or packaged mozzarella better for keto?
Fresh mozzarella has a creamier texture and lower moisture content. But packaged mozzarella can work too.
What can I use instead of mozzarella for keto ravioli?
Some alternatives are sliced zucchini or eggplant, chicken breast cutlets, or coconut flour wraps.
What tools do I need to make mozzarella ravioli?
A vegetable peeler for slicing the cheese, cookie cutters or glass for cutting squares, and a rolling pin can all be helpful.
How long does mozzarella keto ravioli last?
Keto mozzarella ravioli lasts 3-5 days refrigerated and up to 2 months frozen.
Can I use shredded mozzarella for ravioli?
No, shredded mozzarella won't have the structure needed to be rolled out. Use sliced or block mozzarella instead.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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