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Tortelli pasta stuffed with greens

⏱ 120 min🍳 5 min👤 4 pp★★★★☆

There are dishes which are just perfect to share the pleasures of a light and pleasant meal with friends, especially when the summer has finally made its arrival and is offering up some lovely warm days, during which time it’s nice to eat something a bit less substantial …. although that should not mean giving up strong flavours. Today we offer you a specialty of Emilia-Romagna, the famous tortelli pasta filled with greens and parmesan, a perfect dish for summer. In fact, in this region it is served during the feast of St. John, which falls on the 23 June. The combination of aromas and flavours created by the pasta, ricotta cheese and greens, will give your guests all the goodness of a well-balanced dish which if paired with a lovely white wine from Emilia, will make it all the better.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving
Protein
14g
Carbohydrates
38g
Fat
12g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
120 minutes Total time
5 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Prepare the pasta and set aside. For the filling: wash the greens and remove the hard stems, then boil them for 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze out the water well, then place them in a tall, narrow container. Add the egg, salt, pepper, ricotta, nutmeg and Parmesan and blitz everything with an electric hand blender. Roll out the pasta dough as if for extended lasagna. Flour a work surface and lay out your sheets of pasta. Now place a teaspoon of the filling, or just a bit less, in the centre of the strip every 2cm or so, then cover with a second sheet of dough. With your fingers, seal around each pocket of the filling so as to remove any air bubbles. With a pastry cutter or other suitable utensil, cut out the ravioli shape that you like (I chose square with zig-zag edges), sprinkle with flour and set aside in a wide, floured dish. Cook for 5 minutes in boiling salted water; meanwhile melt the butter in a pan. When they are cooked serve about 8 per person, drizzle over with melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan.

Tips
Don’t forget a lovely bottle of white wine - perhaps even from Emilia – which goes perfectly with this dish.
Trivia
This recipe for stuffed tortelli comes from one of the most fertile regions of Italy: Emilia-Romagna and, in particular, the province of Parma.

Step by step

Greens
Greens
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Herb Tortelli with Ricotta and Nutmeg

The Herb Tortelli can be enriched with ingredients such as ricotta, which gives a unique creaminess to the filling. To prepare a tasty variant, you can mix the herbs with other vegetables like spinach or Swiss chard, creating an interesting combination of flavors. Another option is to add goat cheese for a bolder taste. These tortelli can be dressed with melted butter and sage, further enhancing the flavor of the filling. A final touch of grated Parmesan will make the dish even more delicious. This preparation is perfect for a family lunch or a dinner with friends, bringing to the table a dish rich in flavors and tradition.

Emilian Herb Tortelli

The Emilian tradition offers several variants of Herb Tortelli, including Ricotta and Spinach Tortelli, which differ by using fresh spinach instead of herbs. Another popular version is the tortelli in broth, served in a steaming meat broth, ideal for cold winter days. This preparation is typical of Emilian cuisine, where tortelli are often served with a fresh tomato sauce or butter and sage. Each region has its peculiarities, but the egg pasta base remains a constant element, making each dish a tribute to the local culinary tradition.

Light Herb Tortelli without Butter

For those who desire a lighter version of Herb Tortelli, it is possible to prepare the pasta without butter and use light ricotta. This way, you achieve a healthier dish while keeping the fresh flavors of the herbs intact. Additionally, you can steam the tortelli instead of boiling them to further reduce calories. A dressing of fresh tomato and basil can replace the butter, offering a tasty and light alternative. This variant is perfect for those following a balanced diet or for anyone who simply wants to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Herbs in Herb Tortelli

The herbs, the main ingredient in Herb Tortelli, are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet. They contain vitamin K, which is essential for bone health, and vitamin A, useful for vision and the immune system. Additionally, herbs are a source of fiber, which helps maintain regular digestion. A serving of Herb Tortelli provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of ricotta and the dressing used. By choosing to prepare this dish, you not only enjoy authentic flavors but also make a conscious choice for health.

Can Herb Tortelli be Frozen?

Yes, Herb Tortelli can be successfully frozen. It is advisable to do so before cooking to maintain flavors and texture. After preparing the tortelli, place them on a floured tray so they do not stick together and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a food bag to optimize space in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, you can cook them directly from the freezer, increasing the cooking time by a few minutes. This practice is very useful for always having a delicious and quick dish ready to prepare at any time.