Covid Cafe: Last-Minute Ravioli Casserole

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Happy campers

(thanks, David) 

Good day, chefs. It occurs to me that this pandemic is all about transition--transition in how we're living our lives, working our jobs, and connecting with others. Not to mention what we're eating. Three months ago Holly and Rich were making ravioli, some of which they froze. I asked Holly if she used them in today's meal and she laughed and said they were long gone...

Holly writes: I made this for dinner last night.  I just knew it would be better the second day as a side...and I was right.  The lemon flavor intensifies and sauce thickens when it cools.

I used mixed veggies instead of peas because that's what I had.

 
We enjoyed it tonight with Rich's beer can chicken, grilled asparagus, and salad.

  

Last-Minute Ravioli Casserole

Ingredients

·       2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

·       1/2 cup dry white wine

·       2 tablespoons cornstarch

·       2 cloves garlic, minced

·       2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

·       1 teaspoon kosher salt

·       1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

·       2 pounds frozen ravioli (do not thaw), preferably cheese

·       1medium lemon, thinly sliced and seeds removed

·       2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

·       1 cup frozen peas

·       2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1.    Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 400°F.

2.    Place the broth, wine, cornstarch, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a 9x13-inch baking dish and whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the ravioli and arrange in an even layer. Place the lemon slices evenly over the ravioli. Dot the top of the casserole with the butter. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

3.    Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the peas. Bake uncovered until the sauce bubbles around the edges, about 10 minutes more. Sprinkle with the parsley and let sit 5 to 10 minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Green until ripe

Rob walks dogs

Every week Rob tends pups at the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society (ACS). This week's  duo have apparently practiced looking adorable.  

Mokey and Gobo