Serves: 6
Total Calories: 172

TOMATO SAUCE:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed through a press
1 cup tomato purée
3/4 cup bean stock
1/2 cup hearty red wine, such as Zinfandel
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes

TOASTED RAVIOLI:
vegetable shortening or vegetable oil for deep-frying
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup dried bread crumbs
24 ravioli noodles, pasta meals cheese-filled, (about 8 ounces)

1. TO MAKE THE TOMATO SAUCE: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil and cook the onion and garlic, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato puree, stock, wine, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, about 45 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Place a large wire cake rack over a jelly roll pan. In a deep Dutch oven, melt vegetable shortening over high heat to a depth of 2 to 3 inches and heat to 375°F.

3. TO TOAST THE RAVIOLI: In a shallow bowl, beat the milk and eggs together. Put the bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. One at a time, coat the ravioli with the egg mixture, then with the bread crumbs, and place on the waxed paper.

4. In batches, without crowding, deep-fry the ravioli until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a wire-mesh skimmer, transfer the ravioli to the wire rack and keep warm in the oven while frying the rest. Serve warm, not piping hot (the cheese could burn you), with the tomato sauce for dipping.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 6
Total Calories: 172
Calories from Fat: 40

More Recipes from the Fried & True: Crispy and Delicious Dishes from Appetizers to Desserts Cookbook:
Beef And Cabbage Piroshki
Calzonetti With Sun-Dried Tomato And Mozzarella Filling
Cauliflower Samosas With Cilantro Chutney
Chicken And Olive Empanadas
Cilantro Chutney
Crab Spring Rolls With Sweet Garlic Sauce
Fried Dough Knots With Garlic Oil
Goat Cheese Wontons With Tomato-Herb Salsa
Toasted Ravioli With Tomato Sauce
Vegetarian Moo Shu Egg Rolls