On National Ravioli Day, celebrate a pasta that is fun and versatile. Observed on March 20th each year, pasta lovers dive in on this food holiday. The earliest mention of Ravioli or raviolo (singular) comes from the writings of Francesco di Marco, a merchant of Venice in the 14th century. The word ravioli is from an old Italian word riavvolgere (“to wrap”). Canned ravioli was pioneered by Chef Boyardee in the 1930’s.

“Fresh” packed ravioli lasts for several weeks while fresh-made lasts for just a few days. Italian tradition is to serve vegetarian ravioli, particularly on Fridays. Meats are served as a side or later in the meal. Ravioli appears in India, as a popular dish called Gujiya is similar to ravioli, however, it is prepared sweet, with a filing of dry fruits, sugar, and a mixture of sweet spices, then deep fried in vegetable oil.