Tortellini originates from Bologna, and one of the best (and common) ways to eat it is broth (Tortellini al Brodo). I have just returned from Bologna, Italy, and I have learned fresh pasta’s true meaning. Like many, I have loved all kinds of pasta since a very young age, but there is such a big difference between pasta and fresh, quality pasta, like what they serve in Bologna. So today, I’ll share this tasty recipe for Tortellini Al Brodo.
This Tortellini Al Brodo dish sounds very simple; however, it can take a whole weekend to prepare if you want to do everything from scratch.
First, you need to make the stock and then the fresh pasta. I did eat this dish a few times while in Bologna, and everyone had their own version. I’ve searched online, and again, so many different recipes. So I’ll try to recreate what I can.
On my first attempt, I decided to buy fresh tortellini from an Italian deli and make chicken stock – purely because I had roasted a chicken and had the ingredients. I believe that generally, the stock for this dish is usually beef or veal based; however, this tasted pretty good, and I’m pretty happy with this.
Tasty Tortellini Al Brodo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken (minced chicken)
- 1 medium carrots - cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery - cut into chunks
- 1 medium onion - peeled and quartered
- 10 pieces black peppercorns
- 4 twigs thyme - or a good pinch dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In your largest pot, add all ingredients, excluding the tortellini, nutmeg and parmesan.
- Bring to the boil and then cover loosely and simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Every so often, scoop the fat that’s floating on the top.
- Strain the stock and discard all chicken and vegetables.
- Reheat the stock to boiling point and add the tortellini cook at a rolling boil for a few minutes until the tortellini is al dente.
- Serve the Tortellini al brodo in large bowls and grate over some nutmeg and parmesan cheese. So simple, yet so satisfying!