Southern Style Ravioli with Pesto Sauce

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Italian ravioli is transformed into a Southern American delight by incorporating collard greens, smoked ham, and sharp cheddar cheese into the filling. The pesto sauce is given a Southern twist with the addition of pecans and a hint of jalapeno for a touch of heat. The dish is garnished with crispy bacon bits, adding a savory crunch to the final presentation. We alse have the original recipe for Ravioli alla Genovese, so you can check it out.

• For the ravioli: For the ravioli:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) collard greens, cooked and finely chopped 1 cup (240ml) collard greens, cooked and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) smoked ham, finely diced 1/2 cup (75g) smoked ham, finely diced
• 1/2 cup (60g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup (60g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Water, as needed Water, as needed
• For the pesto sauce: For the pesto sauce:
• 2 cups (60g) fresh basil leaves 2 cups (60g) fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup (60g) pecans 1/2 cup (60g) pecans
• 2 cloves garlic 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Crispy bacon bits Crispy bacon bits
• Grated Parmesan cheese Grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and salt. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked collard greens, smoked ham, and sharp cheddar cheese to prepare the ravioli filling.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is thin and translucent. Cut the dough into small squares.
4. 4.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each square. Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold it over to form a triangle. Press the edges firmly to seal the ravioli.
5. 5.
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ravioli for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and set aside.
6. 6.
   To prepare the pesto sauce, combine the basil leaves, pecans, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, jalapeno pepper, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
7. 7.
   In a skillet, heat the pesto sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
8. 8.
   Serve the cooked ravioli with a generous drizzle of the pesto sauce. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Collard greens — Make sure to cook the collard greens until they are tender before adding them to the filling.
• Pecans — Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before using them in the pesto sauce to enhance their flavor.
• Smoked ham — Choose a high-quality smoked ham for the best flavor in the ravioli filling.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for the pesto sauce to achieve the best taste.
• Jalapeno pepper — Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a milder pesto sauce, remove the seeds from the jalapeno pepper before blending.
• Experiment with different fillings such as black-eyed peas or corn for a unique twist.
• Make extra ravioli and freeze them for later use.
• Serve the ravioli with a side of fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Substitute the smoked ham with cooked shrimp for a seafood variation.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Style Ravioli with Pesto Sauce hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with a side of fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked ravioli on a plate, drizzle the pesto sauce over them, and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil for an elegant touch.