BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI IN CIDER BROTH

Butternut Squash Ravioli in Cider Broth image

Yield Makes 6 (first-course) servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

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1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, halved lengthwise, seeded
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup water
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
32 (about) gyoza (potsticker) wrappers*
1/3 cup chopped shallots (about 2)
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or canned broth
1/2 cup apple cider
Shaved Parmesan cheese
*Available at Asian markets, gyoza wrappers can also be found in the refrigerated section of many supermarkets. If unavailable, substitute wonton wrappers and cut into 3 1/2-inch rounds.

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place squash, cut side up, in baking pan. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with syrup; dot with 1 tablespoon butter. Pour 1/2 cup water into bottom of pan. Bake until squash is tender, about 1 hour. Cool completely.
Scoop out squash into bowl. Mash. Transfer 3/4 cup squash to medium bowl (reserve remaining squash for another use). Mix in ricotta, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons parsley and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
Place wrappers on work surface. Place 1 level tablespoon filling in center of each. Brush edges with water; fold each in half, pressing edges to seal. (Ravioli can be made 4 hours ahead. Arrange in single layer on foil-lined baking sheets dusted with flour. Cover and refrigerate.)
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large pan over medium heat. Add shallots; sauté 1 minute. Add stock and cider; simmer 8 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Working in batches, cook ravioli in pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 1 minute. Using slotted spoon, divide ravioli among shallow soup bowls. Bring cider broth to simmer; ladle over ravioli. Top with shaved Parmesan.