By Sandi
Y'all know by now that the Flavor for the week is Pears.
I can remember a dish that I had in Ravella at Loconda del Melanzanico. . . that I still remember to this day. I knew when pears came up, that I would try to combine the flavors to make a pear and pecorino ravioli.
Now, y'all may not believe this. . . but I don't make ravioli every day. So I picked a day when I would have plenty of help in the kitchen. It really helps to have a son who is a chef and a daughter who rocked the baby and kept us company in the kitchen ! We had more fun ~ and there was flour everywhere. In the end, the ravioli may not have turned out perfectly ~ the sauce sat to long while we were playing with the pasta. Fun in the kitchen. That's what it's all about !
The Flavor Bible suggests pairing pears with a sharp or bold cheese. The pairing with pecorino cheese makes my taste buds smile... and that is a good thing! I have Bolded the flavors that are suggested.
Pear and Pecorino Ravioli
Cacio Pepe e Pere
1 large ripe pear
8 ounces PECORINO ROMANO
2 Tbs MARSCARPONE CHEESE
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 large whole eggs
¼ tablespoons EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
3 tablespoons water
For Cacio e Pepe Sauce
6 ounces butter
4 ounces PECORINO ROMANO, mild 12 month aged, grated
fresh sage
freshly ground BLACK PEPPER, to taste
First, make the pasta . . . On a pasta board, combine flour, salt and add the egg. First with a fork, stirring to incorporate the egg, add the olive oil. Continue with your hands, blend until you have a smooth pasta ball. Cover with plastic and allow to rest.
Preparing the Filling by shredding with a large grater a very ripe pear and pecorino cheese into a bowl. Stir in marscarpone and beat until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
Roll out the dough into thin sheets to make the ravioli. Either use a ravioli press or a mold and fill with a spoonfull of the pear mixture. Seal the edges well and set aside.
In a small sauce pan, melt butter with a few sprigs of fresh sage. Add pecorino and stir until just melted.
Boil the ravioli and serve immediately with Cacio e Pepe sauce.
Y'all enjoy~
Sandi


Comments (5)
Love the sound of all those flavors together. Your pasta shape is really beautiful as well. Great job, I would never have thought to do something like this!
Posted by Kayte | December 1, 2011 9:32 AM
Posted on December 1, 2011 09:32
I would really love to try those!
Will you be making them in Montisi?
Posted by jgk | December 1, 2011 4:10 PM
Posted on December 1, 2011 16:10
Kayte~ of all the meals I have enjoyed in Italy, these are the 'flavorss' I remember most. That says it all.
Jan~ I won't be making these in Montisi... I suggest we go to Taverna da Roberto instead :-)
Posted by sandi @the whistlestop cafe | December 1, 2011 7:11 PM
Posted on December 1, 2011 19:11
Looks delicious! Ehen we make ours we add some gorgonzola to the filling and use ricotta rather than marscapone. It's one of our favourite types of ravioli.
Posted by Jerry | December 3, 2011 5:52 AM
Posted on December 3, 2011 05:52
I have as of yet to make this pasta. I've read how good it is, and know there are various interpretations, and I've just got to make it soon. It sounds delicious.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | December 6, 2011 11:18 PM
Posted on December 6, 2011 23:18