Ravioli are, according to Wikipedia, “a traditional type of Italian filled pasta. They are composed of a filling sealed between two layers of thin egg pasta dough and are served either in broth or with a pasta sauce.” That filling is often cheese or meat, but vegetables like potatoes, pumpkin or mushrooms is sometimes used.
The wonderful world of Wegmans changed that up with the creation of Mac & Cheese Ravioli, available in the frozen food section of the store nearest you. I found out about these through a wonderfully creative blogger, Colleen of the Smart Cookie Cook, who happens to love these little pasta pillows, and she knew just what to do with them: Fried Mac & Cheese Ravioli. You can also make this recipe with any other type of ravioli you find or have on hand, but why not branch out and try something different for National Ravioli Day?
Fried Mac & Cheese Ravioli (adapted from the Smart Cookie Cook)
- 1 16-oz. package Mac & Cheese Ravioli
- 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- vegetable oil for frying
- marinara sauce, pasta sauce or pizza sauce for dipping
Cook the raviolis according to directions – make sure they are al dente, not soggy. Drain and let cool so that you can easily handle them.
Pour flour into one bowl and breadcrumbs into another bowl, then whisk together the eggs and milk in a third bowl. Use a fork to dunk the raviolis first into the flour (coating evenly), then into the milk/egg mixture (soaking both sides), then finally into the breadcrumbs (coating the entire ravioli).
Pour about 1-inch of oil into a large, deep nonstick skillet and bring it to medium-high heat. You can also use a deep fryer for this part of the process. Once the oil is hot enough, fry 6 to 8 raviolis at a time. If they do not sizzle when you put them in, the oil is not hot enough. Fry each side until golden brown, flipping when needed. Set fried raviolis on a paper towel-lined tray to soak up extra oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste (optional). Keep the raviolis warm in a 200 degree F oven on baking sheets if necessary. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
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