Ravioli starts with a pasta dough, typically made by mixing egg, flour, salt, olive oil, and water. The dough is kneaded and worked to a smooth, moist consistency, and then allowed to rest while the filling is made. Most often filled with cheese and spices, sometimes a meat and cheese mixture. After the dough rests, it is rolled out into a flat sheet to make ravioli. A ravioli rolling pin is rolled over the two pieces of dough and the filling, sandwiching the filling into small pockets of dough which can be gently cut apart and cooked.
According to the internet, the history of ravioli, the first recorded written recipe was found in 
Italy by a merchant, Francesco di Marco Datini in the 14th century. His ravioli recipe had chopped green herb mixed with eggs and cheese served in broth.
Many cultures have something similar to ravioli. The Jewish culture has a dish called Kreplach, which has meat filling with egg pasta to cover the filling. In India there is a dish called Gujiya which is made with sweet fillings of dried fruit. The Chinese also have a similar dish- the wonton which is the same as the ravioli but has a thinner outer layer and is roundish but also served in broth.
The Guinness World Records’ record for the longest ravioli measures 96 ft 1 in and was achieved by Amway Russia in St Petersburg, Russia, in August of 2013
Celebrate National Ravioli Day at Bravo Cucina & Brio Tuscan Grill
In honor of National Ravioli Day, Bravo at the Dayton Mall and Fairfield Commons & Brio at The Greene are holding a four day celebration, beginning on Sunday and running through Wednesday, March 23. During the celebration, all ravioli dishes will be 50 percent off.
Pictured here from Bravo: Braised Beef Ravioli, featuring Chianti braised beef ravioli, sweet potatoes, fresh sage, champagne and brown butter sauce. Guests can enjoy this dish at lunch for $7 (normally priced at $13.99) and as a dinner entrée for $8 (normally priced at $15.99).
Crispy Mozzarella Ravioli Appetizer, a great start to any meal, which comes with creamy horseradish and Pomodoro sauces for dipping. This dish is offered all day for $5.50.
Lobster Ravioli Alla Vodka, a BRAVO! favorite, served with sautéed shrimp and tomatoes in a tomato cream sauce and pesto bread crumbs. This dish is offered at lunch for $7.50 (normally priced at $14.99) and as a dinner entrée for $9.50 (normally priced at $18.99).
Cheese Ravioli & Insalata, a half order of Pesto- and Ricotta-filled ravioli with Alfredo, pesto and tomato sauce and a choice of Caesar, Chopped or Della Casa salad available at lunch for $6 (normally priced at $11.99).
Brio’s special include:
Ravioli Di Bello, a Portobello ravioli with crimini mushrooms, grape tomatoes, Parmesan and thyme in a champagne brown butter sauce. BRIO is offering the lunch portion specially priced at $6.75 (normally priced at $13.50), and the dinner portion for $7.98 (normally priced at $15.95).
Lobster & Shrimp Ravioli, normally offered only at dinner, is being featured at lunch during the celebration at the reduced price of $9.75. For dinner, the special price is $9.98 (regularly $19.95). This dish is served with spicy black pepper cream, spinach and grape tomatoes.
Ravioli Alla Vodka, a special feature for the day, is five-cheese ravioli with pancetta, garlic, basil and a rich tomato cream sauce for $8.95.
