Monday, October 13, 2008

Broccoli and Cheese Ravioli with Sweet and Spicy Marinara

Broccoli and Cheese Ravioli with Sweet and Spicy Marinara
(serves 2)

1 c. fresh broccoli, steamed and finely chopped
1/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tsp. shredded parmesan cheese
12 won ton wrappers
1 egg white
1 can tomato sauce
1 c. fresh spinach, steamed and pureed in a blender or food processor
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. chopped garlic
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. Italian herbs (I have a grinder that has mixed Italian herbs)
1 small shake of red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste

1. In a small sauce pot combine the tomato sauce, spinach, syrup, garlic, spices, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until the raviolis are ready to cook.
2. In a small bowl combine the broccoli and 2 cheeses















3. Arrange 6 of the won ton wrappers in a single layer on a plate. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the broccoli cheese mixture into the center of each won ton.



















4. Using a pastry brush, brush the edges of each won ton with egg white. Brush the edges of the remaining 6 wrappers as well. Put these on top of the won tons that have the broccoli mixture on them and use your fingertips to seal the edges.
5. In a large skillet put about 1/2 c. of the sauce. Add the raviolis and top with the rest of the sauce. Simmer for about 6 minutes over med. heat, turning the raviolis halfway through the cooking time. Remove from heat and serve!

When I was a teenager I worked at a greasy spoon diner as a cook. They made homemade spaghetti sauce for their spaghetti and meatball dinner. One of the ingredients was brown sugar. This is where I got the idea to use maple syrup. It gave the sauce a nice sweetness. As for the spicy...Despite trying to go easy on the heat I added too many red pepper flakes. I won't omit it when I make this again but I will use just a tiny, tiny bit.

2 comments:

Celeste Christensen said...

Thanks for the comment! This looks interesting! Yup, it is my married name. It's really wierd to find another.

Celeste said...

Wow, that is so weird! Well, I liked the name for 27 years. I hope you like it too! ;o)