If you’re seeking to introduce a novel and exciting dish to your Christmas dinner, look no further than this traditional ravioli recipe. The harmonious blend of sweet pears and creamy Gorgonzola, combined with the crunch of walnuts, results in a dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. This unique ravioli is an excellent way to bring a touch of Italian tradition to your festive table, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A Festive Italian Tradition
Ravioli holds a special place on the Christmas table in many Italian households. The holiday season in Italy is a time for family gatherings, joyous celebrations, and, of course, delicious food. Christmas Eve, known as Vigilia di Natale, is particularly significant, where families come together to enjoy a feast comprising mostly of seafood and meat-free dishes, adhering to the Catholic tradition of abstinence. Among the various delicacies, ravioli stands out as a cherished dish, symbolising the essence of festive Italian cuisine.
Dazzle Your Guests This Christmas
If you’re seeking to introduce a novel and exciting dish to your Christmas dinner, look no further than this traditional ravioli recipe. The harmonious blend of sweet pears and creamy Gorgonzola, combined with the crunch of walnuts, results in a dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. This unique ravioli is an excellent way to bring a touch of Italian tradition to your festive table, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Tips for a Stress-Free Preparation
Christmas is often a hectic time, with extensive food preparation beginning days in advance. To alleviate some of the stress, consider making the pasta and filling ahead of time. When the time comes to serve, the ravioli will only require a brief 3-minute boil, making it a convenient and time-saving option.
For those who might not have the luxury of time or the necessary equipment, using ready-made fresh pasta sheets from your local supermarket can be a great alternative. This shortcut does not compromise the quality of the dish and allows you to enjoy the same delightful flavours with less effort.
Pairing Flavours: Pear and Gorgonzola
The combination of Gorgonzola and pear is a delicate one, with both ingredients offering subtle yet distinct flavours. It’s essential to ensure these flavours are not overpowered by bold ingredients. A simple yet effective way to serve this ravioli is with a drizzle of authentic olive oil, which enhances the dish without overshadowing its primary components.
Sauce Recommendations for Pear and Gorgonzola Ravioli
If you prefer serving your ravioli with a sauce, it’s best to keep it light and simple. A sage and butter sauce is an excellent choice that complements the ravioli’s flavours. To prepare this sauce, reserve a splash of the pasta water after cooking the ravioli. In a saucepan, melt 35g of butter, add a few sage leaves, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the aroma is released. Add the cooked ravioli and the reserved pasta water, turn up the heat, and quickly coat the ravioli in the sage and butter mixture. Garnish with grated Parmesan, chopped walnuts, and lightly fried sage leaves for an added touch of flavour and texture.
Pear, Gorgonzola & Walnut Ravioli Recipe
Servings: 4
Time: 2 hours
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
250g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
½ tsp salt
4 large eggs
For the Filling:
3 tbsp butter
2 ripe pears (peeled, cored, and diced)
3 sprigs fresh thyme
200g Gorgonzola cheese
To Serve:
40g walnuts (lightly toasted and roughly chopped)
Drizzle of cold-pressed olive oil
Cooking Method
1. Preparing the Pasta Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Transfer the mixture to a clean work surface, forming a mound. Create a well in the centre and crack the eggs into it.
Using a fork, begin to incorporate the flour into the eggs, mixing gradually until a rough dough forms. Then, knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Once the dough is smooth, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour to rest.
2. Making the Filling:
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced pears and thyme, cooking for about 10 minutes until the pears are soft and fragrant.
Crumble the Gorgonzola into the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted and combined with the pears. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.
3. Rolling Out the Pasta:
Divide the chilled dough into three equal parts. Keep two parts wrapped in cling film in the fridge while you work with one piece.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about ½ cm. Pass the dough through a pasta maker set to its widest setting. Fold the dough into thirds, then pass it through the machine again. Repeat this process two more times.
Gradually adjust the pasta maker to thinner settings, passing the dough through each setting until you reach the thinnest possible. If the dough becomes too long, cut it in half and continue rolling. Repeat with the remaining dough.
4. Assembling the Ravioli:
Place one sheet of pasta on a floured surface and cut it into two equal rectangles. Spoon 1 tbsp of filling onto the pasta, leaving a 2 cm gap between each dollop.
Brush the gaps lightly with water. Lay the second sheet of pasta on top, pressing gently to seal around the filling, ensuring no air is trapped.
Use a knife or ravioli cutter to separate the individual ravioli pieces. Transfer them to a floured plate or tray while you assemble the rest.
5. Cooking and Serving:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook for 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface and are tender.
Drain the ravioli and divide them among serving plates. Drizzle with cold-pressed olive oil and sprinkle with toasted, chopped walnuts.
Optional Sage and Butter Sauce
For an added layer of flavour, prepare a simple sage and butter sauce:
Melt 35g of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a few fresh sage leaves and cook for 3-4 minutes until the butter is infused with the sage aroma.
Toss the cooked ravioli in the butter and sage mixture, adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
Serve the ravioli with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped walnuts. For extra crunch and flavour, garnish with some lightly fried sage leaves.
Conclusion
The pear and Gorgonzola ravioli is a testament to the festive spirit of Christmas, embodying the warmth and joy of the season with its rich and harmonious flavours. The sweet pears and creamy Gorgonzola, paired with the crunch of walnuts, create a memorable culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who partake in this delightful dish.
As you gather around the table with loved ones, the enticing aroma of this exquisite ravioli fills the air, setting the stage for a festive celebration marked by love, laughter, and gratitude. The unique blend of sweet and savoury notes perfectly captures the essence of Christmas, where the sweetness of togetherness and the richness of tradition blend seamlessly.
Year after year, this mouth-watering creation becomes a beloved part of your Christmas traditions, a culinary masterpiece that brings generations together, reminding us of the joy of giving and sharing during this special time of the year. From the careful preparation of the ravioli dough to the indulgence in the first bite of the velvety filling, the process itself becomes a celebration of creativity and love.
In every homemade ravioli, we find a reflection of our family's heritage, passed down through generations, a reminder of the bonds that hold us together even in the most challenging times. It is a dish that fills our hearts as much as it does our stomachs, leaving us with memories that linger long after the Christmas lights have dimmed.
So, as we savour each forkful of pear and Gorgonzola ravioli, let us embrace the true meaning of Christmas—a time of gratitude, compassion, and unity. For this dish is not just a meal on the table; it is a symbol of the magic that surrounds us during this cherished season.
Buon Natale!