Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli is an amazing dish that unites the rich, sweet flavor of squash with the aromatic touch of sage. This delightful pasta dish is a wonderful way to celebrate the changing seasons and impress your family and friends. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, each bite of ravioli becomes a small celebration of culinary creativity. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this ravioli recipe is sure to elevate your dining experience.
Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of roasted butternut squash mingling with the earthy goodness of sage. That’s exactly what this amazing recipe offers! As you prepare it, you’ll find that cooking becomes an enjoyable journey filled with captivating aromas and an array of colorful ingredients. This dish is not only satisfying to eat but also looks stunning on the plate. When served, it captures attention and elicits excitement.
In this guide, you will discover how to create your very own Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli from scratch. You’ll learn why this recipe is special, get detailed preparation and cooking times, find an easy-to-follow ingredient list, and, most importantly, receive step-by-step instructions. Finally, tips on how to serve this delightful dish will provide that extra touch for your dining occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli offers several reasons to fall in love with it. Here are just a few:
1. Complex Flavors: The natural sweetness of butternut squash is paired beautifully with the savory essence of sage, creating a complex taste profile.
2. Homemade Goodness: Making ravioli from scratch is a rewarding experience. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment with each handmade piece.
3. Perfect for Meal Prepping: These ravioli are perfect for making in bulk. You can freeze them for quick meals later!
4. Seasonal Ingredients: This dish showcases beautiful fall ingredients, making it a perfect choice for autumn gatherings.
5. Vegetarian Delight: Butternut squash and sage ravioli is ideal for vegetarians and those looking to enjoy a meat-free meal.
6. Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and intricate shape of the ravioli create an impressive dish that’s beautiful to serve.
These delicious factors are just a few reasons why this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Here is a breakdown of the timing:
– Preparation Time: 30 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes
– Making the Dough: 15 minutes
– Resting Time for Dough: 15 minutes
– Cooling Time for Squash: 5-10 minutes

These times may vary slightly based on your individual cooking skill and equipment.

Ingredients

For the Ravioli Dough:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Water, as needed

For the Filling:

– 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped

For the Sage Butter Sauce:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 6-8 fresh sage leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli is a fulfilling project that can be done in a few straightforward steps:

Preparing the Dough

1. Make the Dough: On a clean surface, make a mound with the flour. Create a well in the center, adding eggs, olive oil, and salt.
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix the flour into the eggs using a fork, gradually incorporating the flour until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the Dough: Once combined, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.

Preparing the Filling

5. Roast the Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
6. Mix Filling Ingredients: Once the squash is cool, mash it and mix with ricotta, Parmesan, nutmeg, and chopped sage. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Ravioli

7. Roll Out Dough: Divide the dough into two parts. Roll each section out to desired thickness (about 1/16 inch) using a pasta machine or rolling pin, dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
8. Cut the Ravioli: Use a knife or ravioli cutter to cut the dough into squares. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of half the squares.
9. Seal Ravioli: Brush the edges of the filled squares with water. Place another square on top and press down to seal, ensuring no air pockets remain. Repeat until all filling is used.

Cooking the Ravioli

10. Boil the Ravioli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli in batches for 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
11. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and cook until the butter is lightly browned.
12. Combine Ravioli and Sauce: Gently add the drained ravioli to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sage butter sauce.

How to Serve

To truly enhance the experience of Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli, consider the following serving tips:
1. Presentation: Arrange the ravioli elegantly on a plate, making sure to drizzle some sage butter on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and finish with a few whole sage leaves for a gourmet touch.
3. Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the flavors of the dish.
4. Beverage Pairings: Consider pairing with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, that complements the dish’s flavors beautifully.
By following these serving suggestions, you’ll create a memorable dining experience that highlights the wonderful flavors of Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli. This dish is not merely a meal; it’s an artistic expression of seasonal bounty and culinary passion!

Additional Tips

– Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and sage will significantly enhance the dish’s flavor and aroma.
– Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Additional ingredients like garlic or a hint of chili flakes can add a new dimension.
– Test Ravioli for Freshness: Ensure the ravioli are sealed properly to avoid the filling escaping during cooking.
– Create a Flavorful Stock: A light vegetable broth can be used instead of water when boiling the ravioli for added flavor.

Recipe Variation

Explore these delightful variations to refresh the dish:
1. Add Nuts: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts in the filling for added texture.
2. Cheese Variations: Try using mascarpone or goat cheese instead of ricotta for a different creaminess.
3. Sauce Alternatives: Consider serving the ravioli with a cream sauce or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a flavorful twist.
4. Herb Options: Swap sage for other herbs like thyme or rosemary to switch up the flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store leftover ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
– Freezing: To freeze the uncooked ravioli, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.

Special Equipment

Gather these essential tools for making your Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli:
– Pasta Machine: This will help you roll the dough to the perfect thickness.
– Ravioli Cutter or Knife: To cut the dough into desired shapes.
– Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and filling.
– Baking Sheet: To roast the squash and to freeze the ravioli.
– Pot: A large pot for boiling the ravioli.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t find fresh sage?
Dried sage can be used as a substitute; however, you should reduce the amount to about one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
What should I do if my ravioli stick together?
Dust the ravioli with a bit of flour before stacking them. This will help prevent sticking.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the butternut squash filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the ravioli.

Conclusion

Making Butternut Squash and Sage Ravioli from scratch is both a rewarding and delightful culinary adventure. This beautiful dish not only showcases seasonal ingredients but also presents a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. With the instructions provided, you can impress your guests or enjoy a cozy meal at home. Whether you choose to follow the traditional recipe or explore variations, this ravioli is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!

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