Tortellini di Carne: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

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Tortellini di Carne

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin or pasta machine
• Sharp knife or pasta cutter
• Large pot for boiling
• Colander
• Fork or pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Pasta:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 egg for binding
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh nutmeg optional
• For Serving:
• Broth or sauce of your choice like a light tomato sauce or sage-butter sauce

Instructions

 

• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
• Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, create a mound with the flour. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and salt.
• Mix Together: Using a fork, beat the eggs gently, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges of the well. Continue until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Step 2: Prepare the Filling
• Cook the Meats: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Let it cool slightly.
• Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture with the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
• Step 3: Roll Out the Pasta
• Divide the Dough: Cut the rested pasta dough into quarters. Keep the pieces you're not using covered to prevent drying out.
• Roll It Out: Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll out each piece of dough until it’s thin enough to see your hand through it (about 1/16 inch thick).
• Cut into Squares: Cut the rolled-out dough into 2-inch squares. Place a small teaspoon of filling in the center of each square.
• Step 4: Shape the Tortellini
• Fold and Seal: Fold the square over to form a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing down firmly. Ensure no air is trapped inside.
• Form the Tortellini: Bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to form the tortellini shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
• Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
• Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the boiling water. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface.
• Drain and Serve: Use a colander to drain the tortellini and serve with your choice of broth or sauce.
• Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat filling with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs.
• Sauce Variations: Try serving the tortellini in a sage-butter sauce, pesto, or a creamy mushroom sauce.

Keyword Tortellini, Tortellini di Carne

Tortellini di Carne is one of those comforting Italian dishes that truly warms the soul. This delightful stuffed pasta hails from the Emilia-Romagna region, where it’s celebrated for its rich flavors and heartwarming essence. Traditionally, these little pasta pillows are filled with a mix of meats and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and they can be served in broth or with a sauce. From my own personal experience, making tortellini at home might seem a bit intimidating at first, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Let me show you how I make Tortellini di Carne.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Tortellini di Carne, expect a delightful burst of flavors with each bite. The balance of savory meat and rich cheese encased in delicate pasta is truly satisfying. The cooking time is quick, but the preparation takes a bit of effort, making it a great dish to make with family or friends.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $15-$20
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin or pasta machine
• Sharp knife or pasta cutter
• Large pot for boiling
• Colander
• Fork or pastry brush
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Tortellini di Carne  now.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg (for binding)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh nutmeg (optional)

For Serving:

• Broth or sauce of your choice (like a light tomato sauce or sage-butter sauce)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Tortellini di Carne  now.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, create a mound with the flour. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and salt.
2. Mix Together: Using a fork, beat the eggs gently, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges of the well. Continue until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Meats: In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Let it cool slightly.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture with the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the egg. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pasta

1. Divide the Dough: Cut the rested pasta dough into quarters. Keep the pieces you’re not using covered to prevent drying out.
2. Roll It Out: Using a rolling pin or pasta machine, roll out each piece of dough until it’s thin enough to see your hand through it (about 1/16 inch thick).
3. Cut into Squares: Cut the rolled-out dough into 2-inch squares. Place a small teaspoon of filling in the center of each square.

Step 4: Shape the Tortellini

1. Fold and Seal: Fold the square over to form a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing down firmly. Ensure no air is trapped inside.
2. Form the Tortellini: Bring the two corners of the triangle together and pinch to form the tortellini shape. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the Tortellini: Add the tortellini to the boiling water. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until they float to the surface.
3. Drain and Serve: Use a colander to drain the tortellini and serve with your choice of broth or sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat filling with a mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs.
• Sauce Variations: Try serving the tortellini in a sage-butter sauce, pesto, or a creamy mushroom sauce.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Tortellini di Carne  now.

Tips and Substitutions

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tortellini in advance and freeze them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for the pasta, though the texture may differ slightly.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cheese substitute in the filling.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 10g

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Tortellini di Carne seem a little less daunting. Have you tried making it before? Please be honest, and let me know in the comments below; I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Enjoy your cooking adventure.