Tortellini in Brodo: A Comforting Italian Classic

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Tortellini in Brodo⠀⠀

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large pot
• Saucepan
• Strainer
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Rolling pin (if making homemade tortellini)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Broth:
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 onion halved
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tortellini:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese for cheese tortellini or 1 cup ground meat (for meat tortellini)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Nutmeg for added flavor

Instructions

 

• Instructions
• Step 1: Prepare the Broth
• In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, halved onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, crushed garlic, bay leaf, and fresh herbs.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and herbs, then return the clear broth to the pot.
• Step 2: Make the Tortellini Dough
• On a clean surface or in a large bowl, create a mound with the flour and make a well in the center.
• Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
• Using a fork, slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough starts to form.
• Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
• Step 3: Prepare the Filling
• In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese (or ground meat) with grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
• If using meat, ensure it is cooked and seasoned properly.
• Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
• After the dough has rested, divide it into four pieces. Keep the pieces you are not using covered to prevent them from drying out.
• Roll out one piece of dough to a thin sheet, about 1/16-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or a pasta machine for this.
• Step 5: Cut and Shape the Tortellini
• Cut the rolled-out dough into squares, about 3 inches wide.
• Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square.
• Fold the square into a triangle, pressing the edges to seal. Then, wrap the triangle around your finger to form a ring and pinch the ends together to seal the tortellini.
• Step 6: Cook the Tortellini
• Bring the strained broth back to a gentle boil.
• Add the tortellini to the broth and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
• Step 7: Serve
• Ladle the tortellini and broth into bowls.
• Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
• Variations
• Vegetarian Option: Use ricotta and spinach for the filling, or opt for a mix of seasonal vegetables.
• Different Broths: Experiment with beef broth for a richer flavor or a homemade bone broth for added depth.

Tortellini in Brodo is a classic Italian dish that warms the heart and soul. This flavorful broth is often served with delicate tortellini filled with meat or cheese, making it a perfect dish for chilly days or special occasions. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this delightful soup, especially when it’s homemade. Let me show you how I make this comforting dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Tortellini in Brodo, expect a rich and comforting dish that offers warmth and satisfaction. The delicate pasta paired with flavorful broth creates a delightful combination that is sure to please everyone at your table.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Cost of Ingredients: $15 – $25 (varies by ingredient quality and location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course or Soup
• Equipment Needed:
  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Strainer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Rolling pin (if making homemade tortellini)
  • > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Tortelli in brodo now.

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, halved
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley and thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tortellini:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (for cheese tortellini) or 1 cup ground meat (for meat tortellini)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Nutmeg for added flavor
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Tortelli in brodo now.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, halved onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, crushed garlic, bay leaf, and fresh herbs.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and herbs, then return the clear broth to the pot.

Step 2: Make the Tortellini Dough

1. On a clean surface or in a large bowl, create a mound with the flour and make a well in the center.
2. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
3. Using a fork, slowly incorporate the flour into the eggs until a dough starts to form.
4. Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese (or ground meat) with grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
2. If using meat, ensure it is cooked and seasoned properly.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

1. After the dough has rested, divide it into four pieces. Keep the pieces you are not using covered to prevent them from drying out.
2. Roll out one piece of dough to a thin sheet, about 1/16-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or a pasta machine for this.

Step 5: Cut and Shape the Tortellini

1. Cut the rolled-out dough into squares, about 3 inches wide.
2. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each square.
3. Fold the square into a triangle, pressing the edges to seal. Then, wrap the triangle around your finger to form a ring and pinch the ends together to seal the tortellini.

Step 6: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring the strained broth back to a gentle boil.
2. Add the tortellini to the broth and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

1. Ladle the tortellini and broth into bowls.
2. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use ricotta and spinach for the filling, or opt for a mix of seasonal vegetables.
• Different Broths: Experiment with beef broth for a richer flavor or a homemade bone broth for added depth.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Tortelli in brodo now.

Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tortellini in advance and freeze them. Just cook them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of white wine to the broth while simmering can enhance its flavor.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the dough.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the filling with tofu-based ricotta or cooked lentils for a protein-rich filling.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium broth to control salt intake.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

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