Shrimp and Fennel Ravioli

 SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS:

Ravioli

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 small fennel bulb—halved, cored and coarsely chopped, fronds chopped for garnish
1 medium leek, white and tender green parts, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
12 medium shrimp, shelled and deveined, 8 shrimp cut into 1/4-inch dice
24 round gyoza skins
1 egg white, lightly beaten

Sauce

3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup low-sodium nonfat chicken broth
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in
1 tablespoon cold water
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup snipped chives

STEPS:

1. Make the Ravioli: Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the fennel and leek, cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 15 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely, then stir in the raw diced shrimp.

2. Lay the gyoza skins side by side on a work surface. Spoon 1 rounded tablespoon of shrimp filling into the center of 12 of the skins, then lightly brush the edges with the beaten egg white. Top with the remaining 12 skins; push out any air pockets and press to seal. Transfer the ravioli to a lightly floured baking sheet, cover and refrigerate.

3. Make the Sauce: In a small sauce-pan, cook the wine and shallots over moderately high heat until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Scrape the mixture into a blender and add the ginger. With the machine on, slowly add the broth and blend until smooth. Return to the saucepan. Add the soy sauce and bring to a boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.

4. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ravioli until they float to the surface and the shrimp filling turns pink, about 3 minutes. Transfer the ravioli to warmed plates with a slotted spoon.

5. Add the remaining 4 shrimp to the boiling water. Cook just until pink, about 1 minute. Garnish the ravioli with the shrimp. Spoon the sauce on top, sprinkle with fennel fronds and chives and serve.