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Buttermilk Dipped Fried Ravioli Appetizers with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Crunchy, light pillows of ricotta cheese filling dipped in a delicious Marinara Sauce. What's not to love? This appetizer is surprisingly light and crunchy. It's also very easy to make ahead, and then to deep fry once your guests have arrived.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Buttermilk Dipped Fried Ravioli Appetizers with Marinara Dipping Sauce
Author Debby - www.AFeastfortheEyes.net

Ingredients

  • 1 jar store bought marinara sauce heated, for dipping (I make my own) or make the homemade marinara sauce listed below

Homemade quick marinara sauce (optional):

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 whole bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (buy San Marzano if possible)
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the ravioli:

  • Olive oil for frying (I use peanut oil)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs I use Japanese Panko crumbs for extra crunch and season them with Italian seasoning
  • 1 box store-bought cheese ravioli about 24 ravioli
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried*
  • 1 teaspoons basil dried*
  • or 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Instructions

  • Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees F.
  • While the oil is heating, put the buttermilk and the bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Working in batches, dip ravioli in buttermilk to coat completely.
  • Allow the excess buttermilk to drip back into the bowl.
  • Dredge ravioli in the bread crumbs. Place the ravioli on a baking sheet, and continue with the remaining ravioli.
  • When the oil is hot, fry the ravioli in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried ravioli to paper towels to drain.
  • Sprinkle the fried ravioli with Parmesan and serve with a bowl of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

To make marinara sauce (if not using store bought):

  • Over medium heat, heat oil in a large pot until hot. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions begin to appear translucent.
  • Add the tomatoes, stir to mingle the flavors. Add in the herbs and bay leaves.
  • Sprinkle in sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Lower the heat and continue to simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir occasionally.

Notes

This recipe is adapted from Giada De Laurentiis.