Tortellini in Brodo: A Comforting Italian Classic
#Italian tortellini in brodo recipe
Equipment
- Large pot, strainer, ladle, cutting board, knife
Ingredients
- For the Tortellini Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked and finely chopped spinach or other greens
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg for binding
- For the Pasta Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Broth
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth homemade or store-bought
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 celery stalk chopped
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and add the eggs. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs using a fork until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Make the Filling
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, Parmigiano-Reggiano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and mix until well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Divide the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into quarters. Keep the unused portions covered to prevent drying.
- Roll Thin: Using a pasta machine or rolling pin, roll each quarter into a thin sheet (about 1/16 inch thick).
- Step 4: Assemble the Tortellini
- Cut the Pasta: Cut the dough into squares (about 2 inches wide).
- Fill the Tortellini: Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square. Fold the square into a triangle and seal the edges, making sure to press out any air. Then, bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to form a tortellini shape.
- Repeat: Continue until all the dough and filling are used.
- Step 5: Prepare the Broth
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the Broth: Pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, and add herbs. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 6: Cook the Tortellini
- Add Tortellini to Broth: Once the broth is simmering, gently drop the tortellini into the pot. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the top and are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the tortellini and broth into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh herbs if desired.
- Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like carrots and zucchini to the broth for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Broth Flavoring: Experiment with adding garlic or ginger to the broth for a twist.
- Storage: Cooked tortellini can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
Tortellini in Brodo, a heartwarming dish from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is a delightful combination of flavorful broth and stuffed pasta. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Let me show you how I make this dish based on my own personal experience, so you can enjoy a taste of Italy right at home.
What to Expect
Tortellini in Brodo is a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a comforting meal. The rich broth pairs beautifully with the tender, flavorful tortellini. Expect a cozy experience as the warm broth envelops the pasta, bringing the comforting flavors of Italy right to your table.
Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, strainer, ladle, cutting board, knife
- Check out the right types of equipment and ingredients that you need for Tortellini in Brodo cooking here
Ingredients
For the Tortellini Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked and finely chopped spinach (or other greens)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for binding)
For the Pasta Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Broth
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Check out the right types of equipment and ingredients that you need for Tortellini in Brodo cooking here
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and add the eggs. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs using a fork until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, Parmigiano-Reggiano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and mix until well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Divide the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into quarters. Keep the unused portions covered to prevent drying.
- Roll Thin: Using a pasta machine or rolling pin, roll each quarter into a thin sheet (about 1/16 inch thick).
Step 4: Assemble the Tortellini
- Cut the Pasta: Cut the dough into squares (about 2 inches wide).
- Fill the Tortellini: Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square. Fold the square into a triangle and seal the edges, making sure to press out any air. Then, bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to form a tortellini shape.
- Repeat: Continue until all the dough and filling are used.
Step 5: Prepare the Broth
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the Broth: Pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, and add herbs. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Cook the Tortellini
- Add Tortellini to Broth: Once the broth is simmering, gently drop the tortellini into the pot. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the top and are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the tortellini and broth into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh herbs if desired.
Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and add more vegetables like carrots and zucchini to the broth for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Broth Flavoring: Experiment with adding garlic or ginger to the broth for a twist.
- Storage: Cooked tortellini can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
- Check out the right types of equipment and ingredients that you need for Tortellini in Brodo cooking here
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Dough Too Sticky: If your pasta dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s workable.
- Filling Leaking: Make sure to seal the tortellini well to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Tortellini Not Floating: If the tortellini do not float after a few minutes, they may need more cooking time.
Now that you know how to make this delightful dish, it’s time to gather your ingredients and enjoy a taste of tradition. Happy cooking!
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
Forum Foodies offers guides on various ingredients, from staples to exotic finds. Join our community, share your experiences, and learn from fellow food lovers.
Have questions or suggestions? Email me at info@forumfoodies.com. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Happy cooking.
Mike/