Tortilla Chip Crusted Oven-Fried Ravioli with Spicy Fontina Queso Fundido
Try this recipe for Tortilla Chip Crusted Oven-Fried Ravioli with Spicy Fontina Queso Fundido.
Try this recipe for Tortilla Chip Crusted Oven-Fried Ravioli with Spicy Fontina Queso Fundido.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 4 ounces fontina cheese shredded
- 1 jalapeno, seeded + chopped
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 pound frozen ravioli or homemade spinach chorizo ravioli
- 2 1/2 cups finely crushed tortilla chips (i recommend pulsing
- 1/4 cup cajita cheese finely crumbed (or use parmesan)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (omit this if you made the chorizo ra
- a pinch of salt and pepper
- 1/2 of a sweet onion diced
- 1/2 cup beer (i used negra modelo)
- 4 ounces pepper jack cheese shredded (or for super hot use a habanero pepper cheese!!)
- for serving: diced avocado seeded + diced jalapeno, [pomegranate arils| http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/deseed-pomegranate-pictures/] and or tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime juice queso fresco
- 1 pound [fresh pasta dough | http://www.halfbakedharvest.c
- 1 pound ground chorizo
- 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach thawed
- Carbohydrate 1.6013408838868 g
- Cholesterol 12.0100520868122 mg
- Fat 3.90467823292692 g
- Fiber 0.324933422646898 g
- Protein 3.41597928960388 g
- Saturated Fat 2.34416166147276 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -50 Oven-Fried Raviolis with 1 1/2 - 2 cups Queso (60g)
- Sodium 85.5312948331569 mg
- Sugar 1.2764074612399 g
- Trans Fat 0.231543177209928 g
- Calories 54 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
- Add the buttermilk to a medium size bowl. In a larger shallow bowl (or a pie plate) mix together the flour, crushed tortilla chips, finely crumbled cajita, chili powder salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook ravioli for half of the recommended time. Drain, quickly spread out on a plate so they will not stick together. Once cool to the touch, dip each ravioli in the buttermilk then coat thoroughly with the crushed tortilla chip mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat until finished. Spray each with a little nonstick spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
- While the raviolis bake make the queso. In a medium bowl toss together the pomegranate arils (or tomatoes), diced jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Add the diced avocado and gently toss. Set aside.
- Add the oil to a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-10 minutes. Add the beer and simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits. In a bowl, toss the cheese with the flour. Add the cheese mixture to the beer with the remaining ingredients. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the texture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, spoon salsa over queso. Serve in skillet with a basket of tortilla chips on the side.
Tortilla Chip Crusted Oven-Fried Ravioli with Spicy Fontina Queso Fundido: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often seems overwhelming. But, what if I told you that a truly exceptional meal doesn't always require hours of slaving over a hot stove? This recipe for Tortilla Chip Crusted Oven-Fried Ravioli with Spicy Fontina Queso Fundido is the perfect example. It’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that comes together surprisingly quickly, offering a delightful balance of comfort and sophistication.
The beauty of this dish lies in its clever fusion of textures and tastes. The crispy tortilla chip crust offers a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth ravioli filling. The spicy Fontina Queso Fundido adds a layer of creamy richness, a comforting warmth that perfectly complements the overall dish. It’s the type of meal that's sure to impress your family and friends, yet requires minimal effort on your part. The key is smart planning and utilizing readily available ingredients. I often prepare elements of the dish ahead of time – like chopping vegetables and crushing tortilla chips – so assembly becomes a breeze when the cooking time arrives.
The Magic of the Crust: The secret weapon in this recipe is the tortilla chip crust. I love the way it adds a unique crunch and a subtle hint of salty, savory goodness. You can easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder. For those with a bolder palate, you could even experiment with different types of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The crust adds both a visual appeal and a delightful textural element that elevates the dish from simple ravioli to something truly special. Plus, using readily available tortilla chips is a brilliant time-saver!
The Queso Fundido: The queso fundido is the star of the show! The combination of Fontina, cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of diced jalapeño brings a welcome kick, while the cilantro provides a refreshing counterpoint. I sometimes like to add a touch of pomegranate arils for an added burst of sweetness and vibrant color, but feel free to customize it to your liking. A simple tomato salsa can be substituted easily.
The Ravioli: While the recipe can easily be adapted using store-bought ravioli, making homemade ravioli adds a touch of personal pride and allows for complete flavor control. The filling options are endless, from classic ricotta and spinach to more adventurous combinations like mushroom and truffle. If you're pressed for time, opting for store-bought ravioli is perfectly acceptable. The focus here is on the overall experience and creative flair of the finished dish.
Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a more casual setting, serve it family-style in a large skillet, allowing everyone to scoop their desired portion. Alternatively, you can plate individual servings, garnishing with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A simple side salad or some crusty bread would complete the meal perfectly.
More than just a recipe: This Tortilla Chip Crusted Oven-Fried Ravioli with Spicy Fontina Queso Fundido is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the fact that even the busiest of us can create something extraordinary in the kitchen. It's a reminder that culinary adventures don't have to be complicated or time-consuming; they can be simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying, providing a moment of joy and connection in the midst of our busy lives. So, go ahead, treat yourself and your family to this delightful culinary escape. You deserve it!
Adapting the Recipe: One of the things I love about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the spice levels, experiment with different cheeses, or add your own favorite ingredients. The beauty of cooking is in the personal touch, the ability to infuse your creations with your individual preferences and style. Don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Making it a Weeknight Staple: This recipe is easily adaptable for weeknight meals. You can prep many of the components ahead of time – chopping vegetables, crushing tortilla chips, and preparing the queso fundido – then quickly assemble and bake the dish when you're ready to eat. This minimizes cooking time on busy weeknights while ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal for you and your family.
Beyond the Kitchen: This dish is perfect for a casual get-together or a more formal dinner party. Its vibrant flavors and impressive presentation make it a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that your guests will be impressed by your culinary prowess without requiring hours of kitchen prep.
Ingredients you might need:
- Olive Oil
- Buttermilk
- Tomato Paste
- Chili Powder
- Flour (All-purpose and Whole Wheat)
- Garlic
- Fontina Cheese
- Jalapeño
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Frozen or Homemade Ravioli
- Tortilla Chips
- Cajita Cheese (or Parmesan)
- Sweet Onion
- Beer (Negra Modelo suggested)
- Pepper Jack Cheese (or Habanero Pepper Cheese)
- Avocado
- Pomegranate Arils (or Tomatoes)
- Cilantro
- Lime Juice
- Queso Fresco
- Fresh Pasta Dough (optional)
- Ground Chorizo
- Frozen Chopped Spinach
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
