Tortellini en Brodo is a warm and comforting soup with tasty pasta stuffed with meat, swimming in a delicious broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather!
It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love slurping up the broth and savoring the little dumplings. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a cozy meal! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is essential for the best flavor. Look for those filled with pork, prosciutto, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. If you’re in a pinch, frozen tortellini or even cheese-filled varieties work nicely too.
Broth: The broth is the heart of this dish! Homemade beef broth will deliver the richest flavor, but if you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought broth is a great alternative. For a lighter option, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead.
Vegetables: The onion, carrot, and celery add depth to the broth. If you’re missing any, don’t stress! Leeks or shallots could replace onion, and you could add parsnips instead of carrot for a unique twist.
Herbs: Fresh thyme is lovely, but if you don’t have it, parsley or even dried herbs can work. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less than you would fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Make Flavors Pop in the Broth?
Creating a flavorful broth is key to a great Tortellini en Brodo. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Start by sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a bit of oil for about 5 minutes to release their flavors before adding water or broth.
- Simmer gently; rapid boiling can make the broth cloudy. A gentle simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season throughout—taste as you go! You can adjust salt and pepper after the broth has reduced.
- Strain the broth carefully to remove any solids once it’s fully flavored. This gives you a clear, clean broth.
This attention to detail in making the broth elevates your tortellini soup from ordinary to extraordinary! Enjoy each comforting spoonful.
How to Make Tortellini en Brodo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortellini:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh tortellini, preferably filled with a mixture of pork, prosciutto, and Parmigiano-Reggiano
For the Broth:
- 6 cups (1.5 L) homemade or high-quality beef broth (brodo)
- 1 small onion, peeled
- 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 1 celery stalk, cut into large pieces
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or a few sprigs of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation and about 1.5 to 2 hours for simmering the broth if making it from scratch. If you’re using store-bought broth, the entire dish can be ready in about 20-25 minutes. It’s a convenient yet comforting meal that warms you up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth (if making from scratch):
In a large pot, combine the beef broth or water with beef bones if you want to make it from scratch. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld and develop a rich broth. After cooking, season with salt and strain the broth through a fine sieve to discard the solids, resulting in a clear broth.
2. Heat the Broth:
Once your broth is strained and ready, pour it back into the pot and reheat over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. You want it nice and hot for the tortellini!
3. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the fresh tortellini to the simmering broth. Follow the cooking time on the package if you’re using store-bought tortellini, usually about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tortellini float to the top and are tender.
4. Serve:
Ladle the hot tortellini and broth into warm bowls. If you like, garnish with a small sprig of thyme or parsley for an elegant touch.
5. Optional:
For a bit of extra flavor, serve grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on the side for everyone to add to their bowls if they wish.
6. Enjoy:
Serve immediately while everything is still hot and comforting. Sit back, take a sip of the savory broth, and enjoy each bite of the delicate tortellini!
This classic Northern Italian dish is the epitome of comfort food, highlighting the beautiful flavors of the pasta and savory broth. With the right ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll create a beautiful bowl of Tortellini en Brodo that warms the heart!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just fine—just be sure to cook it a little longer than fresh tortellini, usually around 5-7 minutes, or until it floats to the surface and is tender.
How Can I Store Leftover Tortellini en Brodo?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pot on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the beef broth for a flavorful vegetable broth and use cheese-filled tortellini. You can also enhance the broth with additional vegetables or herbs for extra depth.
What Other Herbs Can I Use in the Broth?
If you don’t have thyme or parsley, consider using rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile. Just remember that dried herbs are more potent; use about a third of the amount compared to fresh!
