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Pumpkin ravioli

⏱ 120 min🍳 5 min👤 3 pp★★★★☆

Pumpkin is the vegetable most symbolic of autumn, and in particular of Halloween. Beloved especially in North America, where it appears on the Thanksgiving dining table in the form of a pie with the inevitable turkey, it is now very common in Italy too. Pumpkin ravioli with amaretti and mostarda is now one of the traditional dishes of the northern regions of Italy. Pumpkin is also excellent for gracing your Christmas dining table: not just in ravioli, but also in pies, risottos, desserts and so on and so forth. Pumpkin, with its irresistible sweetness, is a really versatile vegetable, perfect for enlivening various recipes which are particularly popular amongst children. Pumpkin ravioli require a bit of work but provide a great deal of satisfaction: they are therefore ideal for a special day of celebration, or even a simple family Sunday lunch. Here’s the recipe! 

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving
Protein
11g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
120 minutes Preparation time
5 minutes Cooking time
Serves 3 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds, then cut it into small pieces and soften them with a little water and hot oil in a saucepan. When they are cooked so as to be just tender, crush them with a pestle to make a puree. Also crumble the amaretti biscuits with the pestle and add to the pumpkin. Add the ‘mostarda’ and grated Parmesan, then nutmeg. Finally add some salt to taste. Make the dough for the homemade pasta and then pull it through a pasta maker to form long lasagne sheets. Flour a work surface and lay out your sheets of pasta. Now place a teaspoon of the filling, or just a bit less, in the centre of the dough every 2cm, then, with a second sheet of dough, cover the first and with your fingers seal all round the fillings so as to remove any air and avoid entry of water. With a pastry cutter or equivalent, cut out the ravioli shape that you prefer (I used a circular shape), sprinkle with flour and set aside on a large, floured dish. Cook for 5 minutes in boiling salted water and while you melt the butter in a pan along with the sage leaves. When they are cooked serve about 8 per person and drizzle with melted butter and sage and some nice grated parmesan.

Tips
If you don’t want to cook the pumpkin in a saucepan, you can use the oven. All you have to do is turn on the oven to 180°C and place the slices of pumpkin, well separated from each other, on some baking parchment. In three quarters of an hour, the flesh will be perfectly cooked.
Trivia
The Italian name for pumpkin ‘zucca’ comes from the Latin "cocutia", which evolved into "cocuzza, cocuzzae", and from there to ‘zucca’. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals, but has very little salt. That's why it is a saying in Italy "to have salt in your pumpkin", meaning to have plenty of good sense.

Step by step

Pumpkin
Pumpkin
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Pumpkin Tortelli with Amaretti and Mustard

Pumpkin Tortelli can be enriched with a touch of sweetness and crunchiness thanks to the addition of amaretti and mustard. This variant enhances the flavor of the pumpkin, creating a perfect balance between sweet and savory. Amaretti, a typical specialty from Lombardy, provide a note of aroma and texture, while the mustard adds a hint of spiciness. To prepare this recipe, follow the traditional method for the filling and ensure that the ingredients are well combined, so that the flavors blend harmoniously. Serve the tortelli with melted butter and sage for a dish that will delight even the most discerning palates.

Lombard Pumpkin Tortelli

The preparation of Lombard Pumpkin Tortelli represents one of the most authentic culinary traditions of Lombardy. This variant respects the classic recipe but focuses on the use of fresh local ingredients, such as Mantuan pumpkin, renowned for its sweetness and texture. The fresh, homemade pasta envelops a rich and aromatic filling, making each bite a tribute to Lombard gastronomic culture. You can serve them with a simple butter and sage sauce, or with a light tomato-based sauce, to further enhance the flavor of the pumpkin. This dish is perfect for family Sundays or special occasions.

Light Pumpkin Tortelli without Butter

For those who wish to enjoy Pumpkin Tortelli in a lighter version, it is possible to prepare a "light" variant without butter. Use a dressing made with extra virgin olive oil and sage to toss the tortelli once cooked. Reducing the butter does not compromise the flavor; rather, it allows you to appreciate the sweetness of the pumpkin and the fragrance of the amaretti even more. Additionally, you can opt for egg pasta made with whole wheat flour for a higher fiber content. This version is ideal for those seeking a tasty dish that is mindful of health, without sacrificing the pleasure of good cooking.

Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin in Pumpkin Tortelli

Pumpkin is an ingredient rich in health benefits, making Pumpkin Tortelli not only a delicious dish but also nutritious. This vegetable is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, essential for the immune system and skin health. Furthermore, pumpkin contains antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and keep the body healthy. With about 45 calories per 100 grams of pumpkin, this dish is relatively light, allowing you to enjoy a rich meal without guilt. The combination of pumpkin and amaretti also provides an energetic boost useful for tackling the day with vitality.

Can Pumpkin Tortelli be Frozen?

Yes, Pumpkin Tortelli can be frozen without any problems. To freeze them, it is advisable to arrange them on a tray in a single layer and place them in the freezer until they harden. Once frozen, transfer them to food bags, trying to remove excess air to avoid freezer burn. This way, they can be stored for several weeks. When you want to enjoy them, there is no need to thaw them: just cook them directly in boiling salted water, slightly increasing the cooking time. This method helps to preserve the flavors and texture of the tortelli, making them ready to be served with your favorite dressing.