Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts

Lately I’ve been doing very sneaky things with food at dinnertime in my house.  Hubby has come a long way in terms of eating a wide variety of food he never used to, but he still turns up his nose sometimes.  I refuse to take a low blow and sneak in his most loathed food: mushrooms {which I freaking love by the way!}, but I will sneak in some of his lesser-favorite veggies.  Like two nights ago when I made this ravioli dish...he scarfed it down with no questions.  Yesterday when he was chowing down on the leftovers at lunch, he said “What is in this?”.  I said, “Um, ravioli, sausage, a little sauce made with chicken broth and a splash of white wine...”, he said, “What’s the green stuff?”...  “Ummmm...shaved brussels sprouts...”.  He made a face but kept right on eating.  Score!  Sometimes things just look like you might not like them....like when you’re staring face down into a pile of mini cabbages.... but shred ‘em up and you’ve got a nice little pile of veggies on your plate.  Much easier to tackle!

I made this dish with some fantastic Lamb-Rosemary sausage that I picked up at the Italian Market in Philadelphia the last time I was there, but feel free to use any sausage you prefer -- turkey, chicken, anything really!  

Ravioli with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts (serves 4)

adapted from Women’s Day Magazine, January 2013

1 lb. cheese ravioli

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1/2 lb Italian turkey sausage, casings removed {or any sausage you prefer}

12 oz. brussels sprouts, cut and thinly sliced

salt and pepper

1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth

1/4 c. dry white wine

2 tbsp butter

grated parmesan or romano cheese, to serve

1. Cook ravioli according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, 6 to 7 minutes.
3. Add brussels sprouts, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and cook, tossing for 2 minutes.  Add broth, wine and butter and bring to a simmer.  Serve over ravioli and sprinkle with cheese if desired.