Greek Style Ravioli

Greek Style Ravioli

Most days I  cook what I have in the house. This not only cuts down on food expenses, but it also forces me to think of creative ways to change it up! Sometimes I have to go out and get an ingredient or two to complete the dish, and sometimes I improvise!

This dish is simple, healthy, and easy to prepare. I had one can of black olives, half of a container of spinach, cherry tomatoes, a purple onion, some feta cheese, and some cucumbers. Usually I cook ravioli the traditional way with spaghetti sauce.  However I did not have any spaghetti sauce, or even a can of tomato sauce or paste in the house, so I decided to prepare a Greek dish since Feta says Greek all the way!

Recipe

Ravioli Cheese (You can also use tortellini or even pasta!)

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Purple onion 

1 Can black olives

Fresh Spinach

Feta Cheese

Olive oil

Lemon

Vinegar

Oregano

Crushed mint

Garlic powder

Salt/Pepper

Directions

I always like to get my water going to make things go a little smoother, so fill up a pot of water and add salt to flavor the ravioli. While you are waiting for the water to come to a boil, chop your veggies (tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, olives, and spinach). I like to chiffonade the spinach, in other words cut it in ribbons. I don't take each piece of fresh spinach, stack it, roll it, and then slice, this can take time. Instead I grab as many same size pieces as I see, put them in a bunch and slice the spinach into ribbons.

Once the water has come to a boil, pour in the ravioli and cook according to directions, about 10-12 minutes or until they begin to float to the top. Ravioli are easy to over cook, so keep an eye and follow the directions on the package. In the mean time, put your cut veggies in the bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Now you can begin to make your dressing. Add the olive oil, lemon, vinegar, oregano, crushed mint, garlic powder, salt and pepper and whisk together. You can also use a store bought brand of Italian dressing, including creamy Italian works great too! Pour dressing over veggies.  Your ravioli should be about done. Take one out, run it under cool water so you don't burn yourself, and taste. Be careful because the cheese is very hot on the inside! Drain your ravioli and run under cook water, continue to strain. I run it under cool water so the ravioli do not stick, and the feta cheese will not melt.

Pour ravioli into bowl and stir together with veggies and dressing mixture. Sprinkle with Feta and enjoy!