Canned ravioli – sure thing or never ever?
7.8.2024
Translation: Eva Francis
Canned beef ravioli in tomato sauce has been an integral part of Switzerland’s convenience food for over 75 years. And the ready meal’s been dividing opinions since it first hit the shelves. What’s for sure is this old-fashioned evergreen is still sold today.
At home, on a campsite or in the military, if you grew up in Switzerland, you’ve probably been served this slightly too soft stuffed pasta in slightly too sweet tomato sauce. Did you love it or hate it? Opinions seem to be divided. Canned ravioli awakens nostalgic childhood memories in some – and childhood trauma in others.
For my podcast partner Judith, it’s a no-brainer. Canned ravioli’s one of her favourite childhood foods. She’s a massive fan. Her hymn of praise starts at minute 9:00 in our podcast episode (in Swiss German).
Personally, I share her enthusiasm, even though I haven’t actually eaten canned ravioli in over 20 years. Why? Well, if I’m looking for a quick dinner, I prefer frozen ravioli. And if I have time, I make the pasta dough and filling myself and fold my own (usually rather rustic) ravioli.
Resilient pasta squares
Years ago, canned ravioli only just survived a huge scandal in Switzerland. On 10 March 1978, Swiss television’s consumer programme «Kassensturz» aired a report that came across like an espionage thriller. It exposed that a large proportion of canned ravioli contained waste meat such as pigs’ heads or offal.
Why’s Swiss television not this brave anymore? Well, that’s for another time. But see for yourself, here’s the original Kassensturz episode from 1978 (in German):
It was the perfect scandal. After the report was aired, sales of canned ravioli plummeted. The manufacturers took «Kassensturz» to court – without success, as the author says on SRF Online (article in German). The complaint was dismissed because the report was based on facts.
But canned ravioli didn’t disappear. Today, they’re available in various versions, including vegan ravioli.
Convenience food
Quantity discount
CHF4.85 per piece for 4 units CHF13.26/1kg
Hero ravioli bolognese
430 g
Want to see how to turn canned ravioli into delicious pasta? Check out Davide’s Instagram video.
What’s your opinion? Are canned ravioli a great dinner option or an absolute no-no?
Canned ravioli
Evergreen or no-no?
- I love canned ravioli and always have a few cans at home.35%
- Sometimes, when I need a quick meal...30%
- Never ever would I eat canned ravioli!18%
- I just want to see the answers...17%
The competition has ended.
Header image: Shutterstock
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
Food
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