With just four ingredients you can make this delicious first course, perfect for the colder months and appreciated by everyone, large and small! These homemade pasta tubes, known as ‘Passatelli’ in Italian, are a very popular dish in the Marche and Emilia Romagna regions. Nowadays, because of its versatility, many chefs have been inspired to make it, not only in capon broth as the traditional recipe teaches, but also dry or accompanied by truffles or fish broth. Although their preparation traditionally required a special ‘ferro per passatelli’, with a common potato sieve you can still impress your guests with this lovely dish.
* approximate values per serving
Prepare all the ingredients. In a bowl, break 1 whole egg and 5 egg yolks. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Beat the egg mixture with a spoon. Combine the breadcrumbs and cheese and mix well. Add the beaten egg mixture to the bread and cheese. Start mixing together with a spoon, then finish with your hands until you get a smooth and reasonable firm dough. Using one of those utensils for pureeing or ‘sieving’ mashed potato, press the dough mixture through it onto a clean cloth. Cut to a length of 3-4 cm. Cook the pasta tubes in meat stock, preferably made from capon (castrated male chicken), for about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to plates and serve hot.
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Break one whole egg and 5 egg yolks
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Mix a teaspoon of salt with the eggs
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Combine the breadcrumbs and cheese
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Mix well
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Add the beaten egg mixture to the bread and cheese
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Mix initially with a spoon, then knead with your hands until you obtain a smooth consistency
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Use a potato sieve
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Using the potato sieve, press the dough mixture through it onto a clean cloth. Cut to 2-3cm lengths
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Cook the pasta tubes in meat stock, preferably made from capon (castrated male chicken), for about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to plates and serve hot.
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Passatelli can be prepared in various ways, one of the most flavorful being the one with Parmesan and nutmeg. This recipe enhances the taste of quality cheese and the aroma of nutmeg, making the dish even richer and more fragrant. To make them, a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan is used, which gives a soft texture and a enveloping flavor. Nutmeg, added in moderate amounts, provides an aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with the passatelli. Served in hot broth or with a light sauce, these passatelli win over at first taste and are perfect for a family lunch or a special dinner.
Emilian passatelli are a typical specialty of the culinary tradition of Emilia Romagna. This variant is distinguished by the use of fresh, local ingredients, such as Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh eggs. The preparation of this dish follows a traditional process, where the mix of breadcrumbs and cheese is worked by hand until a homogeneous dough is obtained. Once the passatelli are formed, they are cooked in a hot meat broth, which enhances their flavor and makes the dish even more comforting. This recipe represents true comfort food, ideal for colder days or festive occasions.
For those looking for a lighter version of passatelli, it is possible to make them without eggs. This light variant still maintains a delicious flavor, thanks to the use of breadcrumbs and Parmesan, but eliminates the excess calories from the eggs. The egg can be replaced with a bit of water or broth to make the dough softer and more workable. Light passatelli can be served in a vegetable broth or with a fresh tomato and basil sauce, for a fresher and lighter dish. This version is perfect for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up flavor.
Passatelli, thanks to the presence of ingredients like breadcrumbs and Parmesan, offer a good supply of carbohydrates and proteins. Parmesan, in particular, is rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients for bone health. A plate of passatelli in broth provides about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of cheese used and the type of broth. Due to their preparation, passatelli can be easily adapted to different nutritional needs, maintaining a good balance between taste and health. Consuming passatelli on special occasions is a way to enjoy a dish rich in history and tradition.
Fresh passatelli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, wrapped in a clean cloth or in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. If you wish to keep them longer, it is advisable to freeze them. To do this, simply arrange them on a tray in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once solidified, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container, where they can last up to 3 months. When you want to use them, just cook them directly in hot broth without thawing, to maintain their texture and flavor.