Homemade Ravioli Filling with Fresh Tomato and Garlic Sauce

This yummy recipe was one I learned when I was newly married and going to school and living at Brigham Young University. It was taught at a Relief Society class one night, and I’ve made it many times. It’s so good! I don’t include the pasta recipe here, but you will need a homemade pasta dough, and a tool for making ravioli - I like this one.

RAVIOLI FILLING:

1/2 pound hamburger
1-2 cloves garlic
1 pint cottage cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 square frozen spinach
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon dried basil, or 3 tablespoon fresh
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
salt and pepper to taste

Brown hamburger with onion, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Let cool. Add cheeses and spinach (steam, drain, and chop).

FRESH TOMATO AND GARLIC SAUCE:

12 oz spaghetti
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
3 green onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup cheese (mozzarella or Gruyere)
2 tablespoons dried basil, or 1/3 cup fresh
2 tablespoons dried parsley, or 1/3 cup fresh
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
freshly grated parmesan cheese

While pasta cooks, mix the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Let set in bowl while you drain the pasta. Do not rinse. Add pasta to the bowl and toss altogether. Serve parmesan cheese on the side.

Variations: Add cooked chicken, broccoli, or ham.