I made a beet ravioli dish for the restaurant menu when we first opened, and it remained popular for quite some time. Our regulars weren't at all happy when we finally took it off the menu. On special occasions, such as Valentine's Day, we've brought back variations on that beet ravioli, sometimes using cookie cutters for hearts or other sweet shapes. If you can find them, candy-striped beets are beautiful and unique, or try using golden beets, or even a combination of all three.
Ingredients
Pine Nut "Goat Cheese"
Rosemary-Cream Sauce
Preparation
Pine Nut "Goat Cheese"
Step 1
Process all ingredients in a food processor until as smooth as possible.
Step 2
You should have about 4 cups. Reserve 2 cups for the sauce, and set aside the remainder.
Rosemary-Cream Sauce
Step 3
Puree all the ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
To Finish
Step 4
Using a mandoline, slice the beets very thin (so they are pliable and not stiff, approximately 1/16 of an inch or less).
Step 5
Make small stacks of the larger pieces and use a sharp knife to cut into squares-the size doesn't matter much, as long as they are all roughly the same. Alternatively, use a round-, heart-or other- shaped cookie cutter to cut the slices. Cut at least 40 slices-10 per serving, with a few extra to spare.
Step 6
In a medium bowl, place the beet slices, oil, lemon juice, and salt and toss gently to coat evenly. Allowing the beets to sit for a half hour or more will soften them; this is optional but a good idea if your slices are on the thicker side and still a bit stiff.
Step 7
Lay half the beet slices on a clean work surface and top each with a rounded teaspoonful of the cheese. Top with the remaining beet slices and press down gently.
Step 8
Spoon the sauce onto serving plates, and arrange the ravioli on top. Garnish with a few drops of aged balsamic vinegar and a few sprigs of either microgreens or fresh herbs.
