A Ravioli and a Smoothie

Ravioli with Balsamic Brown Butter

This was something I had seen recently on Giada's Everyday Italian on the Food Network. I just love her recipes for their simplicity. A number of her recipes are really quick to make, healthy and very satisfying. I have been waiting to try this particular recipe since I saw that episode and I went to the store just to buy some ravioli yesterday.

Ingredients:
A pack of frozen Ravioli (I used 13 ounces of cheese ravioli.)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped & toasted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste.
Mint leaves for garnishing

Method:
Take water in a large vessel, salt it and bring it to a rolling boil.

Add the frozen ravioli to the water and cook till al dente. (Mine took about 10-12 minutes)

Meanwhile, in a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring & continue heating till the butter turns a nice golden brown color.

Set this aside. Cool for a minute or two and add the balsamic vinegar, honey, some salt & pepper. Mix well.

Toast some chopped walnuts in the oven. Toasting enhances the flavor of the nuts & gives a nice crunch to the dish.

When the ravioli are done, drain off the water and transfer onto a serving dish. Add the balsamic brown butter to this and mix well. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese on the top.

Garnish with some mint.

I could not believe that something so simple could taste so good! I loved how the balsamic brown butter tasted. I was getting a little tired of seeing/eating pastas with the same old tomato based sauces. This was a nice change & I am going to make it often.

Cantaloupe Smoothie
To complete our meal, I also made a smoothie from some fruits that were begging to be consumed. (yeah, I know! ravioli & smoothie???)


Ingredients:
4 cups of peeled & diced cantaloupe
5-7 strawberries, washed & hulled (these need not be added. I had to get rid of some old strawberries)
1 cup yogurt (vanilla yogurt would have been great, I did not have any!)
3-4 drops of vanilla essence
2-3 tsp honey (depending on sweetness)

Method:
Place all the ingredients in a blender & blend till smooth.

Garnish with some fresh mint & serve chilled.