Tortellini

Homemade Tortellini with Meat Filling – a classic and delicious Italian recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Tortellini are a type of stuffed pasta, originating from Italy, that can turn any meal into a feast. This simple recipe for homemade tortellini with meat filling is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. We will work together step by step to achieve a perfect texture and a rich, flavorful filling.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 300 g of flour (ideally type 00 flour for pasta)
- 3 large eggs (approximately 150 g)

For the filling:
- 100 g of sausage (either pork or beef, finely chopped)
- 100 g of mortadella (finely chopped or minced)
- 100 g of pork tenderloin (cooked and finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the eggs. You can use a fork to mix initially, then use your hands to form a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour until it reaches the desired consistency. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

2. Preparing the filling: In a skillet, add the sausage and mortadella. Cook them over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Add the cooked pork tenderloin, mix well, and season with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan. Let the filling cool before using it.

3. Forming the tortellini: After the dough has rested, divide it into 4 pieces. Work with one piece of dough at a time, keeping the rest covered to prevent drying out. Roll the dough into a thin sheet using a rolling pin. Cut it into squares of about 5 cm on each side. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold the square diagonally to form a triangle and seal the edges well by pressing with your fingers. Then, fold the corners of the triangle to form the tortellino.

4. Boiling the tortellini: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Boil the tortellini in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, until they rise to the surface. Make sure not to overcrowd them in the pot to prevent sticking.

5. Serving: Tortellini are delicious served with a simple tomato sauce or with a cream and Parmesan sauce. You can also add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to enhance the flavors.

Practical tips:
- Use high-quality flour to achieve a more elastic dough.
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, for a vegetarian version.
- If you have time, you can freeze uncooked tortellini on a tray, then transfer them to plastic bags for later use.

This homemade tortellini with meat filling recipe will surely become one of your favorites. Enjoy every bite and savor the cooking process! Bon appétit!