Toasted Ravioli

Toasted Ravioli is a St. Louis classic, but you don't have to go there to enjoy this delicious appetizer.  They take just a few minutes to make at home so pick up a package of fresh ravioli next time you're at the grocery store.  You'll be glad you did. 

The main components needed for this simple appetizer - a package of fresh ravioli, some Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and a beaten egg. 

Dip ravioli in beaten egg.

Then coat with Italian seasoned bread crumbs.

Fry the coated ravioli in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.   Somehow I forgot to take photos of the ravioli frying and draining on paper towels, but here's the aftermath.  

IMPORTANT:  As soon as the ravioli are pulled out of the oil, sprinkle them with salt.  If you wait until they cool down, the salt won't stick so be sure to do it while they're piping hot. 

To serve, I like to pile them up on a platter with marinara sauce for dipping.  Oh, and I sprinkle the whole platter liberally with grated parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh basil.  

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• Italian seasoned bread crumbs https://amzn.to/2Whv1E4

• spider strainer https://amzn.to/3duF2n2

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Toasted Ravioli

makes 3 servings

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 9 ounce package fresh ravioli

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup tomato sauce for dipping

• olive oil for frying

• sea salt

• grated parmesan

• chopped fresh basil

• chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Place beaten egg in one bowl; bread crumbs in another.

2. In a medium non-stick pan, heat about 1 inch of oil to about 35oF.

3. Dip ravioli in egg, then bread crumbs.

4. Fry 3-4 ravioli at a time until golden brown on each side; drain well on paper towels and sprinkle hot ravioli with sea salt.

5. Place ravioli on a platter and sprinkle with grated parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and freshly chopped basil.

6. Serve with your favorite tomato sauce for dipping.

Spaghetti with Garlic and Basil

Here's a very flavorful side dish that comes together in a matter of minutes.  I like to make it when I have leftover spaghetti in the fridge, but it's worthy of cooking a fresh batch of pasta so you can enjoy it.  Fresh basil is a must here - don't even think about trying to substitute dried.  

Just a few simple ingredients are needed for this tasty side dish.  Fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, unsalted butter, grated parmesan (or romano) cheese, and salt and pepper.  If you like a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes too. 

And my favorite herb, fresh basil.  like I said before, don't substitute dried basil here - it's just not the same at all.  Wait until you can get your hands on some fresh basil.

And lastly, you'll also need some cooked spaghetti.  If the spaghetti you're using is cold from being stored in the fridge, either bring it to room temperature or gently warm it with hot water, then drain well.

In a pan over medium-high heat, combine the olive oil and butter until the butter melts.

Mmmm.

Add the garlic.

Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds until the aroma of garlic perfumes the air.  Oh how I wish you could smell it!! 

Immediately add the pasta and toss to coat.  

Turn off the heat and add the salt and pepper...

The grated parmesan cheese...

And finally, the basil.

Toss everything together well and serve.

Mangia!

Items used to make this recipe:

(affiliate links)

• high quality nonstick skillet https://amzn.to/34nLDjN

• garlic press https://amzn.to/3gh63xz

• shallow pasta/soup bowls https://amzn.to/3uhpoXM

• very high quality olive oil https://amzn.to/3g7PcNO

• square dipping dishes https://amzn.to/3IPLUuP

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Spaghetti with Garlic and Basil

makes 6-8 servings

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound leftover cooked plain spaghetti

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-size pieces

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan or romano cheese

• kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions

1. If spaghetti is cold, reheat gently by soaking in hot water for a couple of minutes, drain well.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine olive oil and butter, stirring until butter melts.

3. Add garlic and continue stirring until the garlic smells fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Immediately add the torn basil leaves, cooked spaghetti, and cheese.

4. Remove from heat and toss to coat.

5. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.