Butternut Squash Ravioli with Prawns
Butternut squash and ricotta filled ravioli, sautéed prawns, truffle butter sauce, pine nuts, crispy sage
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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Ravioli, a type of filled pasta, has roots stretching back to medieval Italy. Butternut squash, while originating in the Americas, has become a beloved ingredient in Italian cuisine. The use of truffle butter adds a touch of luxury, reflecting the historical appreciation for truffles in Italian gastronomy. Prawns, readily available in coastal regions, have long been a staple in Italian seafood dishes. The combination represents a modern adaptation, blending traditional pasta making with globally sourced ingredients.
This dish, while a contemporary creation, draws upon the cultural significance of pasta making and regional Italian ingredients. It exemplifies the Italian appreciation for fresh, high-quality components and the art of balancing flavors.
Pasta as a Staple
Pasta is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, deeply ingrained in family meals and social gatherings. Ravioli represents a sophisticated form of pasta, often reserved for special occasions or restaurant dining.
Regional Ingredients
The use of butternut squash and prawns reflects the importance of regional ingredients in Italian cooking. While not all regions traditionally use both, the combination showcases Italy's diverse culinary landscape and adaptability to globally sourced ingredients.
The Art of 'Il Dolce'
The balance of sweet and savory elements in this dish reflects the Italian appreciation for 'il dolce' - the art of creating balanced and harmonious flavors in a single dish.
This dish offers a symphony of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors, balanced by rich and delicate textures.
The sweet and creamy butternut squash and ricotta filling provides a comforting base. The sautéed prawns introduce a briny and savory element, while the truffle butter sauce adds a luxurious, earthy richness. Pine nuts contribute a subtle nutty crunch, and the crispy sage offers an aromatic, herbaceous counterpoint, cutting through the richness of the sauce and balancing the sweetness of the squash.
Perfect Ravioli Dough
Use a high-quality pasta flour, such as 00 flour, for a delicate and silky dough. Ensure the dough is properly rested before rolling to prevent it from shrinking during cooking.
Butternut Squash Preparation
Roast the butternut squash before pureeing it for the filling. Roasting intensifies its sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Be sure to drain any excess moisture from the puree before combining it with the ricotta.
Prawns Doneness
Avoid overcooking the prawns, as they can become tough and rubbery. Sauté them just until they turn pink and opaque. A quick sear is ideal.
Truffle Butter Sauce
Use high-quality truffle butter for the most authentic flavor. Avoid overheating the sauce, as this can diminish the truffle aroma. A gentle simmer is all that is needed.
Sage Crisping
Fry the sage leaves in olive oil until they are crispy and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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