The Original Toasted Ravioli

Ingredients:
 

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 2 pounds ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cut up
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 slightly beaten egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 (16-20) - ounce package frozen meat-filled ravioli, thawed
• ⅔ -1 cup seasoned fine dry bread crumbs
• Cooking oil for deep-fat frying
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
 

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, beat together egg and milk. Dip each ravioli in egg mixture; then dip in bread crumbs to coat.
   
2. In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, heat 2 inches of cooking oil to 350 degree F. Fry ravioli, a few at a time, in hot oil about 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Keep warm in a 300 degree F oven while frying the rest.
   
3. For sauce: In a medium saucepan, cook onion and garlic in hot olive oil or butter until onion is tender. Stir in tomatoes, dried basil (if using), salt, and pepper. Cover; cook over medium heat about 10 minutes or until tomatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.
   
4. Uncover and stir in tomato paste. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 20 minutes or until mixture reaches desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil, if using. Cover sauce; keep warm.
   
5. To serve: Sprinkle ravioli with Parmesan cheese, if you like. Serve with warm sauce for dipping. Makes 12 to 14 appetizers.

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Photo Credit: midwestliving.com