Recipe: The Original Toasted Ravioli
Summary: This fried ravioli recipe, from Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill in St. Louis, makes a fun party appetizer. We substituted frozen ravioli for the homemade they use at the restaurant. For extra-easy cooking, serve with a purchased marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 pounds ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cut up
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 slightly beaten egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 16 – 20 – ounce package frozen meat-filled ravioli, thawed
- 2/3-1 cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
- Cooking oil for deep-fat frying
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat together egg and milk. Dip each ravioli in egg mixture; then dip in bread crumbs to coat.
- In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, heat 2 inches of cooking oil to 350 degree F. Fry ravioli, a few at a time, in hot oil about 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 300 degree F oven while frying the rest.
- For sauce: In a medium saucepan, cook onion and garlic in hot olive oil or butter until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, dried basil (if using), salt, and pepper. Cover; cook over medium heat about 10 minutes or until tomatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover and stir in tomato paste. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until mixture reaches desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil, if using. Cover sauce; keep warm.
- To serve: Sprinkle ravioli with Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve with warm sauce for dipping. Makes 12 to 14 appetizers.
Preparation time: 25 minute(s)
Cooking time: 45 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 12
Photo and recipe adapted from Midwest Living
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