Butternut Squash Ravioli

 

Ingredients for ravioli:

• 1 pound butternut squash (about half of a medium-sized one)
• olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• wonton wrappers
• 1 egg, beaten

Ingredients for bechamel for top:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sage

Directions for ravioli:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Cut butternut squash in half and remove seeds.
3. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle salt & pepper on butternut squash half. Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes. (Long enough the flesh can be pierced easily with a fork).
4. After butternut squash is done, scrape out the flesh of the squash and place in a medium sized bowl. Mix in butter, brown sugar, salt & pepper, nutmeg, and thyme.
5. You can use small wonton wrappers or large wonton wrappers cut into 4 pieces (like I did).
6. Take about 1 teaspoon of the butternut squash mixture and place it in the center of one of the wonton wrappers. Brush the beaten egg around the squash on the wrapper. Place another wrapper on top and seal around filling. (Making sure to remove all air bubbles)
7. Continue making as many ravioli as you wish to serve.
8.  Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil. Gently place the ravioli in the water to cook in batches.  (Note: I used a large saute pan with high walls instead of a pot, as it's quicker to boil and return to temperature in between batches.)

*Be vigilant that the ravioli doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan because it will cause it to tear open and the filling will be released in the cooking water.

Directions for bechamel:

1. Melt butter in small saucepan on medium heat.
2. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Whisk while you slowly pour in milk.
4. Add pepper and sage.
5. Constantly stir until sauce has thickened and remove from heat.

*If bechamel is too thick add more milk. If it's too thin leave it on the heat a little longer.

~Recipe from Mikaila