BUTTERNUT SQUASH TORTELLONI WITH CRANBERRY WALNUT SAUCE

Butternut Squash Tortelloni with Cranberry Walnut Sauce image

This recipe has several steps, but give it a try; I think you'll find that none of the steps is difficult, and you can prepare the recipe in stages if you like. Make the filling one day, fill and cook the tortelloni the next, or make and fill the pasta to freeze, and cook anytime you want! The autumn flavors of squash, nuts, and cranberries make this the perfect side dish for a big holiday meal, or a vegetarian alternative for the non-meat eaters at the table.

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

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Ingredients

1 butternut squash, approximately 2 pounds, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
2 large shallots, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
4 small amaretti cookies, crushed (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
36 small square wonton wrappers
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh sage
1/2 cup dried cranberries, or chopped dried cherries, or a mixture of both
1/2 cup toasted walnuts (see page 168), chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

To make the tortelloni, preheat the oven to 375°F. On a foil-lined baking sheet, toss together the butternut squash, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Bake until soft and golden, about 25 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Cook the shallots and garlic until lightly golden, about 3 minutes.
In a food processor, combine the roasted squash, the shallot mixture, and the ricotta cheese and pulse a few times to blend. Add the crushed amaretti cookies and the nutmeg, and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse until smooth. The tortelloni filling can be made one day ahead.
To make the tortelloni, lay out 6 wonton squares, keeping the remaining squares inside the package or under a very lightly dampened paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Place 1 tablespoon of squash mixture in the middle of the square. Using a small pastry brush, wet the edges of the square. Gently fold the square wrapper into a triangle, making sure the edges are securely closed and there are no air pockets inside. Dampen the corners of the longest side of the triangle and gently bring them together, pressing lightly to secure. Place the formed tortelloni on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Be careful to dry the work surface before laying out another 6 wonton squares; this will help keep the tortelloni from sticking to the baking sheet. Continue until all the squash mixture is used. There should be approximately 36 tortelloni. The tortelloni can be frozen on the baking sheet, transferred to a tightly sealed plastic bag or container, and stored for up to one month.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. As it heats, make the sauce: Melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the sage and cook until the butter starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the cranberries, walnuts, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Place the tortelloni in the boiling water and gently stir. When they begin to float, they are done, about 3 minutes for fresh, 5 minutes if they've been frozen. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the tortelloni to a serving platter. Top with the cranberry walnut sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve.