Chestnut and Sausage Ravioli
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
Chestnut and sausage ravioli is a traditional and delicious dish that combines the earthy sweetness of chestnuts with the rich flavor of sausage. Perfect for a special dinner or festive occasion, these ravioli are paired with a savory wine-based sauce that complements the flavors beautifully. The process involves making fresh pasta from scratch, preparing a filling with sausage and chestnuts, and finishing it all with a flavorful wine sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe will surely impress!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour | 300g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Sausage | 250g |
| Chestnuts | 500g |
| Sage | To taste |
| Grana Padano DOP | 50g |
| Egg (for filling) | 1 |
| Butter | 50g |
| Red Wine | 500g |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 10g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chestnuts
Start by boiling the chestnuts. Place them in a pot with boiling water and cook for about 30 minutes, or until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the chestnuts and allow them to cool. After they have cooled, peel them and set them aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Sausage
While the chestnuts are cooking, remove the casing from the sausage. Use a knife to slice the casing along its length and pull it off. Crumble the sausage into small pieces. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the sausage. Brown it in its own fat for about 5 minutes. Once cooked, add the chopped sage and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Making the Ravioli Filling
Once the chestnuts are peeled, use your hands to break them into coarse crumbs. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled chestnuts with the cooked sausage. Add the grated Grana Padano cheese and one beaten egg to bind the mixture together. Stir everything until well combined and set the filling aside.
Step 4: Preparing the Pasta Dough
In a separate bowl, place the flour and create a well in the center. Crack the 3 eggs into the well and begin to mix, gradually incorporating the flour. Once the dough starts to come together, knead it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes in a cool, dry place.
Step 5: Rolling Out the Pasta
After the dough has rested, divide it into smaller pieces. Lightly flour each piece and pass it through a pasta machine, starting with the widest setting and gradually reducing the thickness. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 2-3mm. Cut the dough into squares that are about 5×5 cm.
Step 6: Assembling the Ravioli
Place a small spoonful of the chestnut and sausage filling in the center of each pasta square. Fold each square into a triangle by bringing two opposite corners together and pressing the edges to seal them tightly. Be sure to press out any air pockets.
Step 7: Cooking the Ravioli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Once they are cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the ravioli from the water.
Step 8: Preparing the Wine Sauce
While the ravioli are cooking, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallot and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the red wine and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat.
Step 9: Finishing the Dish
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the cooked ravioli to the pan with the wine sauce. Gently toss the ravioli in the sauce, adding a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water to help emulsify the sauce. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring that the ravioli are well-coated.
Step 10: Serving
Serve the ravioli hot, garnished with fresh sage or additional Grana Padano cheese if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of the same red wine used in the sauce, enhancing the flavors and providing a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 70g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
This Chestnut and Sausage Ravioli is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the sweet, nutty flavor of chestnuts with the savory richness of sausage and the depth of a red wine sauce. The homemade ravioli are a labor of love, but the results are absolutely worth it. Whether you’re serving this dish for a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, it will be sure to impress your guests or family. Enjoy the rich flavors and the satisfaction of making this classic Italian dish from scratch!
