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Quite a few cities and areas in Italy are synonymous with particular pasta kinds, and in Bologna, tortellini is the form of alternative. It’s a treasured meals in Bologna and all through Emilia-Romagna, and no go to to ‘La Grassa’ is full and not using a serving to or two of contemporary tortellini.

I’m a large fan of tortellini, and it’s turn out to be a staple on my Bologna meals excursions. Because it’s one of many hallmarks of the native tradition and delicacies, it’s secure to say it’s fairly simple to search out tortellini in Bologna. Nevertheless, not each serving of tortellini will go away you wanting extra, however I’ve unearthed a number of the best spots within the metropolis to get pleasure from this stuffed, ring-shaped pasta!

What Is Tortellini and What Makes It Particular?

Contemplating there are over 350 pasta kinds on the market, you will not be conversant in tortellini. In a nutshell, it’s a sort of stuffed pasta that is available in a ring-like form. 

For essentially the most half, tortellini is tightly full of a meaty, savory combination. Among the many most conventional tortellini fillings and components are pork loin, prosciutto, mortadella, parmigiano reggiano, nutmeg, and egg. 

Tortellini in Bologna is sometimes served ‘en brodo,’ that means ‘in broth.’ Piping-hot beef and capon broths are typically the most well-liked, which provides the dish its signature wealthy taste.

How Conventional Tortellini Are Made in Bologna

Making conventional tortellini is not any easy feat. The truth is, there are fairly a couple of methods to grasp and steps to observe to create the proper tortellini! 

On the subject of tortellini pasta dough preparation, you’ll must mix 00 flour, a sort of very tremendous wheat flour, with eggs and roll the combination with a pasta curler till skinny. At this level, cowl the dough in cling movie and go away it within the fridge for at the least half-hour, although doing so for a number of hours will likely be even higher.

As soon as rolled, you’ll must make the most of the right tortellini shaping methods. Begin by chopping the pasta into squares earlier than inserting the filling into the middle of every piece. Fold over the pasta to make a triangle and press down the sides. 

The ultimate step is to twist the dough right into a navel form, which is able to lock in moisture. If the pasta is wanting a little bit dried out at this level, spray it with some water earlier than sealing.

Cooking and Serving Tortellini Like a Native

While you’re cooking and serving tortellini, there are a few issues to remember to yield the very best outcomes!

• Boil the tortellini in a broth for two to three minutes or till the pasta floats.
• Go for conventional serving kinds, comparable to tortellini en brodo, or mix your pasta with cream, sage, butter, or white sauces.
• Dry your pasta on a floured tray.
• Earlier than freezing, place your pasta on cookie sheets and switch them into freezer baggage.

Various Fillings: Past the Conventional Recipe

Together with the traditional taste mixtures, there are many different tortellini fillings in Bologna value making an attempt.

Relying on what regional components are in season, you possibly can take your choose from fillings like spinach and ricotta, pumpkin or butternut squash, contemporary greens, pesto, cheese, and truffles.

As a result of these elements differ from the normal dry, compact fillings, you might need to use different preparation kinds or sauces.

The place to Eat the Greatest Tortellini in Bologna

Trattoria Nonna Gigia – Conventional, Central Location

Picture credit score: Trattoria Nonna Gigia – Conventional, Central Location

Trattoria Nonna Gigia is a stylish, elegant eatery tucked away on a quiet road within the metropolis middle. It’s one in every of my favourite spots for tortellini in Bologna, and its handy location means you gained’t should wander too far to get right here.

I like the tortellini en brodo right here. Each mouthful was a symphony of tastes and textures, from the meaty, smokey filling to the fragrant capon broth. To steadiness the flavors, I paired the dish with a glass of refreshing, floral lambrusco.

Trattoria Nonna Gigia – 40121 Bologna – Open each Monday to Friday from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm and each Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm. 

Sfoglia Rina – Artistic Delicacies

Picture credit score: Sfoglia Rina – Artistic Delicacies

Sfoglia Rina close to Piazza Maggiore is among the many most occurring spots within the metropolis, mixing conventional recipes with quirky fashionable touches. There’s at all times a line outdoors this buzzing, honeycomb-patterned joint, making it tremendous simple to identify.

These guys change their menus ceaselessly to make sure their recipes make the most of seasonal produce, and I used to be fortunate sufficient to search out tortellini with sage and butter after I received right here. Contained in the chewy pasta was a smokey pork filling, which countered the decadent, nutty sage and butter sauce.

Sfoglia Rina – 40124 Bologna – Open each Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to eight:00 pm and each Sunday from 9:00 am to eight:00 pm.

Pasta Fresca Naldi – Handmade Takeaway

You don’t have to sit down in a swanky restaurant to safe high quality tortellini in Bologna, as laid again spots like Pasta Fresca Naldi alongside Through del Pratello supply sensational takeaway choices.

I went for the extremely advisable tortellini al pasticcio, and it exceeded all of my expectations. It fused umami-rich pork and agency pasta with a daring, zingy tomato sauce and creamy béchamel.

Pasta Fresca Naldi – 40122 Bologna – Closed each Monday, open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, and each Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.

Can You Study to Make Tortellini in Bologna?

If you wish to attempt your hand at whipping up your personal tortellini in Bologna, you’ll discover a plethora of pasta-making courses obtainable on platforms like Get Your Information or Viator.

You’ll be taught all about Bolognese cooking traditions and observe step-by-step guides to filling preparation, dough mixing, and shaping methods.

Last Ideas & Suggestions

Have you ever actually visited Bologna in case you haven’t indulged in some high quality tortellini? Make your personal, refill on some from a market vendor, pattern tortellini-based dishes in a neighborhood restaurant, or higher but, do the entire above!

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). A information to Bologna meals. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/bologna-food/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Bologna meals & wine excursions. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/bologna/

Nonna Gigia. (n.d.). Nonna Gigia. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://nonnagigia.it/

Sfogliarina. (n.d.). Sfogliarina. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.sfogliarina.it/en/

Pasta Fresca Naldi. (n.d.). Pasta Fresca Naldi. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from http://www.pastafrescanaldi.it/

GetYourGuide. (n.d.). Pasta making class in Bologna. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.getyourguide.com/-l1431/-tc107/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=6476275869&cq_con=79439934204&cq_term=pasta+making+class+in+bologna&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=6476275869&adgroup_id=79439934204&target_id=aud-1393039794620percent3Akwd-313551042947&loc_physical_ms=9050463&match_type=e&ad_id=395214414370&key phrase=pasta+making+class+in+bologna&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&machine=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmzJCPL28j9RShJNrBpbpGySPU_d&gclid=CjwKCAjwn6LABhBSEiwAsNJrjkiSwaUiA02T1GAx6nqgqdgWloKB7sI7JVBHGu6gFz2u7j6UpPy6dRoCrMwQAvD_BwE&visitor-id=52EJEG0L1P4F0AO74FLIYHNHPKZEEG46&locale_autoredirect_optout=true

Viator. (n.d.). Cooking courses in Bologna. Retrieved April 24, 2025, from https://www.viator.com/Bologna-tours/Cooking-Courses/d791-g6-c19?gclsrc=aw.ds&&m=28353&supag=117930857934&supca=12521213211&supsc=aud-2312774627880:kwd-297885640511&supai=505184642139&supdv=c&supnt=g&suplp=9050463&supli=1008141&supti=aud-2312774627880:kwd-297885640511&tsem=true&supci=aud-2312774627880:kwd-297885640511&supap1=&supap2=&supfi=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-gbd5MrnfiIvJUnSnmsEOAO-0WY&gclid=CjwKCAjwn6LABhBSEiwAsNJrjijdDwauJ9FBxszgc4PqyoTVt4KAP-Xk34QJNZZnoaizfX4e3lfNURoC21IQAvD_BwE