Pumpkin Ravioli
The most loved italian fall dish has to be pumpkin ravioli. As soon as the leaves change color I start thinking of making pumpkin ravioli. There are many versions out there, but this is the tried and true Italian classic that you will find in various regions of Italy.
What kind of pumpkin to use? When many people think of pumpkin they think of the giant ones used for jack-o-lantern or decoration. However there are countless varieties of delicious pumpkin out there. I like to use red kuri squash, cinderella, jarrahdale, Musquee de Provence (aka Fairytale), hubbard just to name a few.
Check out the gallery for more pictures on how to make this delicious pasta!
This recipe makes around 2 dozen ravioli.
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- 100 g Pasta flour
- 100 g Semola (semola di gran duro rimacinata)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 1/2 cup Roast pumpkin puree
- 20 g Parmesan
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 Amaretto cookie (optional)
- 4 tsp Butter
- 8 Sage leaves
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- Prepare the pumpkin
Carefully cut the stem of the pumpkin then cut the pumpkin in half. Clean out the seeds and string with a spoon. Carefully cut each half in half again.
Save the seeds and roast them for a lovely snack. - Roast the pumpkin
Place the pumpkin on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in a preheated to 450 F and bake for 30-45 minutes. Timing will vary based on the size of your pumpkin. It is done when it is fork tender.
- Prepare the filling
Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle place a bit at a time in a potato ricer to mash. Once all the pumpkin is riced mix in the cheese, nutmeg and amaretto cookie. Mix well to combine and place in the fridge until needed.
A potato masher or fork could be used if you do not have a potato ricer. - Make the pasta dough
Using a large bowl and forming the flour into a well, crack in the eggs and slowly bring together. If the dough seems dry add more water. Knead for around 10 minutes or until the dough is elastic and smooth. Cover and let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Eggs are not all created equal and have different weights. Try to aim for 60% hydration for this dough. This means for 200 grams of flour aim for 120 grams of eggs. If your eggs are on the smaller size you can use water to bring it up to the 120 grams. - Roll out the dough
Once dough is rested cut into 4. Ensure to keep the pieces you are not working with covered so they do not dry out. Using a rolling pin or pasta sheeter roll each piece to the around 1mm. Dust with flour as needed to avoid the dough from sticking.
- Shaping the Ravioli
There are many ways to shape ravioli. You can you traditional pasta stamps, fold the dough onto itself or use a ravioli maker. The latter is my preferred method as it is quick, consistent and hassle free.
Measure out the sheet of dough to the length of the ravioli maker. Generously dust the ravioli maker with semolina flour and place the sheet of dough onto it, making sure to leave enough dough to fill the holes.
- Fill the ravioli
Add your filling into a piping bag and fill the ravioli holes to the top. Make sure not to overfill or the ravioli will not seal properly. Once all the ravioli are filled tap down on the ravioli maker to release any air bubbles that may have formed.
- Seal and Press the Ravioli
Lightly brush a small amount of water on the edges of the ravioli. Place the other half of pasta over the ravioli maker and press to seal. Roll a rolling pin along the ravioli to seal and press together. Peel the edges off and flip over releasing the ravioli.
See gallery for more pictures on the whole process! - Dry the ravioli
It is always best to let the ravioli dry out for several minutes. This will help avoid them from sticking as well as improve the texture and make it easier to transfer to the water.
If you are not going to cook these right away you can freeze them. When you are ready to cook them do not thaw, just add to boiling water frozen.
- Prepare the sauce
In a skillet add the butter, sage leaves and cinnamon stick. Heat over medium-low heat to brown the butter. It should be a golden brown. Turn heat to low until ravioli are done.
Butter goes from golden brown to burnt quickly. Once it starts to brown keep an eye on it. - Boil ravioli
Place ravioli in a well salted pot of gently boiling water. If the water boils too hard it will break the ravioli. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Toss the ravioli
Remove the ravioli from the water and place in the butter sauce. Gently toss or stir to coat.
Remove and serve with parmesan and the crispy sage leaves.