In a large
pot, bring to a boil 4 quarts of salted and oiled water. Carefully add
small batches of ravioli, about 3 to 4 at a time. This will prevent
them from crowding in the pot and sticking together. Cook for 2 to 3
minutes. Using a spider strainer, carefully remove the ravioli and
place on the plate. Tent with foil to keep warm and continue cooking
remaining ravioli.
In a saute pan, heat remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. When almost smoking,
add chopped mushrooms and sauté until soft and most of the liquid has
evaporated, about 8 minutes. Carefully pour in tomato sauce and simmer
for 5 minutes.
Divide ravioli between 2 serving plates. Top with mushroom tomato
sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Simple Tomato Sauce:
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional
In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion
and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10
minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute
until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes
and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until
thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still
tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round
out the flavors.
Add 1/2 the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process
until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.
If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1
to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6
months.
Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Ease of Preparation: Easy