Caramelle ricotta

Caramelle ricotta is a traditional pasta dish originating from Italy. The caramelle is stuffed pasta with the ends twisted so that it looks like a cellophane-wrapped candy. It's usually made with a combination of flour, eggs, olive oil, salt, and water. The dough is filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, nutmeg, parsley, and salt. Once stuffed and shaped, the caramelle are cooked in boiling salted water until tender. They're drained and then served with different sauces, usually based on tomatoes or butter. This unusual pasta dish is often made and enjoyed on Christmas, birthday parties, and similar festive occasions.