Try this easy and delicious Filipino Kalabasa Ravioli recipe made of wonton wrappers with sweet and savory squash filling. It's a healthy and light pasta dish, perfect with sesame oil and parmesan cheese toppings!
Wanna try more Kalabasa Recipes? Try my Ginataang Kalabasa, Kalabasa Pancakes, and Kalabasa Pasta.
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What is Filipino Kalabasa Ravioli?
This Filipino-style Kalabasa Ravioli is a twist on the classic butternut squash ravioli, perfect for fall gatherings, family meals, or any occasion. Traditionally, ravioli are Italian dumplings filled with ricotta, vegetables, or meat, sealed between thin layers of egg pasta. The name "ravioli" means "little turnips," and fillings vary by region—ricotta and lemon rind in Sardinia, or ricotta with spinach and nutmeg in Rome. While homemade ravioli is a tradition, modern versions are also mass-produced.
For this version, I blended roasted kalabasa, tofu, sweet onions, garlic, and cheddar cheese for a flavorful filling. Instead of pasta dough, I used wonton wrappers to seal the mixture before boiling them to perfection. A drizzle of sesame oil and grated Parmesan on top adds extra richness. This easy, healthy recipe is a delicious way to enjoy Filipino flavors in a comforting dish.
History of Filipino Kalabasa Ravioli
Filipino Kalabasa Ravioli is a fusion of Italian ravioli and Filipino flavors, using kalabasa (squash) and wonton wrappers instead of pasta dough. Inspired by the popularity of Italian dishes in the Philippines, home cooks adapted ravioli with local ingredients for a hearty, budget-friendly twist. This dish showcases Filipino creativity in merging global flavors with traditional favorites.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
Filipino Kalabasa Ravioli is typically enjoyed during the cooler months, especially in fall and rainy seasons, when warm, comforting dishes are in demand. It’s also a great choice for family gatherings, holiday meals, and special occasions. Since it's easy to make and versatile, it can be served as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as a unique appetizer for parties.
Health Benefits of Kalabasa
- Aids in digestion.
- Helps improve eye health.
- Enhances hair and skin health.
- Helps with cancer prevention.
- Reduces the risk of depression.
- Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Substitutions
- Oyster mushroom sauce - Soy sauce + a pinch of sugar, hoisin sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, or coconut aminos
- Parmesan cheese - Grated Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast (for a vegan option), or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative
- Wonton wrappers - Fresh pasta dough, dumpling wrappers, or homemade eggless pasta sheets
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Kalabasa Ravioli – Extra cheddar or mozzarella in the filling, traditional pasta sheets, and a creamy béchamel or garlic butter topping.
- Spicy Kalabasa Ravioli – Adds chili flakes or siling labuyo to the filling, with a chili oil drizzle for heat.
- Mushroom Kalabasa Ravioli – Combines sautéed mushrooms with squash and tofu, served with a light mushroom sauce.
Storage
- The ravioli should be assembled, laid out on a flat surface (a baking sheet works great), and frozen. When the ravioli is completely frozen, store it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. The ravioli can be cooked directly from frozen, taking about 2 minutes in boiling water to reach al dente.
- For the leftover cooked kalabasa ravioli, you may place them in an airtight container and then into the fridge that can last for up to 3-4 days.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- squash
- sweet onions
- soft tofu
- vegetable oil
- oyster mushroom sauce
- salt
- ground white pepper
- garlic
- cheddar cheese
- Wonton wrappers
- water
- sesame oil
- parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
Place the squash, sweet onions, and tofu in a roasting pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with vegetable oil, and oyster mushroom sauce, and season with salt and ground white pepper:
Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and transfer to a food processor or blender. (If using a blender, use a towel in place of the plastic center piece of the blender cover.) Add the sliced garlic clove and grated cheese and blend until smooth; transfer to a piping bag; set aside:
Line out 6 wonton wrappers on a clean surface, then pipe the kalabasa filling into the wonton wrappers. Top each with the remaining wonton wrappers and seal it by brushing the edges with water and gently pressing the air out; set aside:
In a saucepan, add water and bring it to a boil, then drop the ravioli and cook for a few minutes until it floats on top or until the wrapper is tender. Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle with the sesame oil and top with grated parmesan cheese:
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Hint: Do not throw the leftover squash filling away. It can be used as a sauce for your favorite pasta shape or as a dip.
⭐ Top Tip
- Homemade pastry dough can be used, instead of store-bought wonton papers, if you have more time to prepare.
- Cook the ravioli just before serving. The kabocha squash ravioli tastes best when it is freshly made.
- You may serve this ravioli with sage butter sauce, spinach salad, garlic bread, or any side dish you like.
- Feel free to use a homemade or canned butternut squash puree for the filling. You can use ricotta cheese, pecorino romano cheese, or nutmeg too for the cheese alternatives.
FAQ
Yes! For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. For a softer texture, try cake flour or all-purpose flour mixed with a little semolina for extra chewiness.
A creamy coconut sauce with garlic and onions adds a Filipino touch. You can also try a classic brown butter sage sauce or a simple tomato-based sauce with salt and pepper for balance.
Freeze uncooked ravioli on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen in boiling water until they float.
More Recipes
Looking for drinks to compliment your Ravioli? Try these:
Filipino Kalabasa Ravioli
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 cup diced squash kalabasa
- ½ cup diced sweet onions
- ¼ cup soft tofu finely diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon oyster mushroom sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 clove garlic sliced
- 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
For the Ravioli:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 4 cups water
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Roast the filling:
- Line a roasting pan with parchment paper and place the squash, sweet onions, and tofu.
- Drizzle with vegetable oil, oyster mushroom sauce, and season with salt and white pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes until the squash is soft.
Blend the filling:
- Transfer the roasted mixture to a food processor or blender.
- Add garlic and cheddar cheese, then blend until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and set aside.
Assemble the ravioli:
- Lay 6 wonton wrappers on a clean surface.
- Pipe the kalabasa filling onto the center of each wrapper.
- Cover with the remaining 6 wonton wrappers and seal the edges by brushing with water.
- Gently press to remove air pockets.
Cook the ravioli:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Drop the ravioli into the boiling water and cook for a few minutes until they float.
Serve:
- Transfer the cooked ravioli to a serving bowl.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cheng says
This Filipino kalabasa ravioli looks like a unique and comforting dish. It's such a creative and delicious recipe to try! 🙂
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Thank you so much! 💛🎃 I’m really happy you noticed how unique it is—kalabasa adds such a comforting, Filipino twist to ravioli. I hope you get to try it and enjoy every bite! 😊🍽️