Gourmet Crab Ravioli with Fennel and Smoked Tomato Sauce
Delicate crab-stuffed ravioli meet the anise-kissed flavor of fennel and the rich, smoky depth of a roasted tomato sauce in this elegant yet approachable seafood pasta dish. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home.
🍅 Ingredients
For the Crab Ravioli:
- 1 lb fresh pasta sheets or wonton wrappers
- 8 oz lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for sealing the ravioli)
For the Smoked Tomato Sauce:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
🔥 Instructions
Roast the Tomatoes and Fennel:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet with sliced fennel and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until caramelized.
Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix crab meat, ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
Make the Ravioli:
Lay out pasta sheets or wonton wrappers. Spoon a small amount of filling into the center of each. Brush edges with beaten egg, top with another sheet, and press to seal. Trim if needed. Set aside on a floured tray.
Blend the Sauce:
Transfer roasted tomatoes, fennel, and garlic to a blender. Add white wine (if using) and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Warm on the stovetop if needed.
Cook the Ravioli:
Bring salted water to a gentle boil. Cook ravioli in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Plate and Serve:
Spoon smoked tomato sauce onto plates, top with ravioli, and garnish with fresh basil.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you craft the best Crab Ravioli with Smoked Tomato Sauce
- 🍝 Ravioli Mold Press – Create perfectly shaped ravioli every time
- 🍅 Smoked Paprika – Essential for that deep, smoky flavor in your sauce
- 🔪 Mandoline Slicer – Get paper-thin fennel slices with ease
- 🍲 High-Speed Blender – Achieve silky smooth sauce in seconds
- 🧄 Garlic Roaster – Enhance the depth of your roasted sauces
💡 Helpful Tip: If fresh tomatoes are out of season, use fire-roasted canned tomatoes as a shortcut for bold flavor without compromising the dish.