Ravioli with Pappa al Pomodoro

Method

1. Prepare the fresh pasta: mix 100g semola and 100g 00 flour on a work surface. Make a well, crack 2 eggs into the well, and gradually incorporate the flour. Knead until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic and let rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make the pappa al pomodoro: in a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil. Add a crushed garlic clove and some chopped basil. Add cherry tomatoes cut in half, a pinch of salt, and a spoonful of tomato concentrate. Cook until the tomatoes begin to break down.
3. Add stale bread cut into small cubes and a splash of water. Cook, stirring, until the bread absorbs the liquid and becomes soft and mushy. Grate in some Parmigiano Reggiano and add black pepper. Stir, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
4. Make the pecorino cream: heat fresh cream in a small saucepan. Add grated pecorino cheese. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy. Set aside (it will thicken as it cools).
5. Roll out the pasta using a pasta machine: start at the thickest setting, folding the dough over itself for the first three passes, then gradually reduce the thickness to about 1–2 mm. Dust with semola as needed.
6. Using a round cutter (about 6–7 cm), cut circles from the pasta sheet. Brush each circle lightly with beaten egg (egg wash).
7. Place a small teaspoon of cooled pappa al pomodoro in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon, press to seal, then bring the two ends together and pinch to form a tortellino shape. Set on a floured tray.
8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the ravioli and cook for about 1 minute, until they float and are tender.
9. In a skillet, melt a knob of butter with some lemon zest. Add the cooked ravioli and a ladle of pasta cooking water. Toss gently over medium heat for 1 minute.
10. To plate: spread a spoonful of pecorino cream on the bottom of each plate. Arrange the ravioli on top. Grind some black pepper and garnish with small basil leaves and basil flowers. Serve immediately.