Perfecting Ravioli: A Guide to Delicious Sauces and Toppings

Have you ever tried making ravioli at home, only to find that the filling doesn't quite measure up to your expectations? I have, and I didn't like it at all. However, a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of tasting the most amazing ravioli at a school fundraiser. The experience was so memorable that I vowed to recreate it at home. In this article, we'll explore the best sauces and toppings to pair with different types of ravioli, and share a secret ingredient to crafting the perfect homemade ravioli dish.

Experience at a Produce Warehouse Fundraiser

One evening, while volunteering at a produce warehouse, I witnessed a culinary masterpiece. This warehouse, lined with booths staffed by San Diego’s finest restaurants, was the setting for a fundraiser for the school that troublesome teenagers attend. Among the donations was a batch of homemade popsicles, with flavors like a blood orange popsicle with purple basil frozen in the middle. The highlight of the evening, however, was a small 6-inch paper plate with one large ravioli topped with a white mushroom sauce. The young man handed this to me and said that the dish was created by his brother, one of the top Mexican-born chefs in the U.S., when he opened a San Diego restaurant.

I knew I had to recreate this dish. Despite hating to make ravioli, I turned to it as a challenge. I had never found a filling that I liked, even though my family had delighted in my butternut squash ravioli a year prior. But with the encouragement of this exceptional ravioli, I decided to experiment. The filling was filled with cheese, but the original overpowered the flavor with asiago. Therefore, I mixed ricotta with a little asiago until there was a light balance, perfect for this exciting challenge.

Creating the Perfect Ravioli

First, let’s start with the filling. I used a combination of ricotta and asiago cheese to achieve a light and balanced flavor. For those who prefer traditional butternut squash ravioli, you can certainly try that, but mixing the cheese will give it a new twist. The filling should be neither too sweet nor too strong, allowing the pasta and sauces to take center stage.

For the pasta dough, a simple ratio of 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, and a pinch of salt should work well. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Divide it into small balls and roll them out to about 1/16th of an inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles for the ravioli. Place a small spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle, then fold it over and pinch the edges to seal. Place the sealed ravioli on a lightly floured surface and cover with a damp cloth to prevent the surface from drying out.

The Perfect Sauce: White Mushroom Sauce

The sauce is a crucial element in bringing this dish to life. A classic white mushroom sauce can elevate your ravioli to new heights. This sauce is made in a medium skillet, starting with a base of onions and garlic in the bottom of the pan. Cook for five minutes, then add a clove of garlic and cook one more minute.

Add a half inch of white wine and reduce down by over half. Then add a chicken stock velouté, which is a thick and smooth sauce made with roux and chicken stock. Use the store-bought chicken base and mix it with a roux to thicken it. Add a half inch of this and reduce down by half. Add heavy cream in the same quantity as the others and reduce down until thick. The finishing touch is to sprinkle a tablespoon or two of ground porcini mushrooms, which will add a depth of flavor. Cook for a few minutes more so the porcini can bloom.

The resulting sauce should look like mushroom soup on the lighter side. If there ever was a secret ingredient to a dish, the porcini powder is by far the most amazing transformation in this particular sauce. The earthy flavor of the porcini mushrooms enhances the already rich and creamy sauce, making it the perfect complement to the tender, flavorful ravioli.

Toppings and Pairings

For a dash of color and flavor, consider topping your ravioli with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives. These herbs not only add vibrancy and freshness but also complement the rich, creamy sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a garnish of caramelized shallots can enhance the overall experience of the dish. You can also mix in some microgreens, which add a delicate crunch and freshness.

In conclusion, the combination of the perfect ravioli filling and sauce, along with the right toppings, can transform a simple meal into a gourmet delight. Whether you're cooking at home or planning a special dinner, remember to experiment and enjoy the process. The joy of creating a dish that brings happiness and satisfaction is truly priceless.