Tortellini with meat and tomato sauce

Tortellini with Meat and Tomato Sauce - A Culinary Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

In a world full of sophisticated recipes and exotic ingredients, sometimes the best thing is to return to the simple essences of traditional cuisine. Tortellini with meat and tomato sauce is a classic dish that perfectly combines the soft texture of pasta with a rich and creamy sauce. This recipe is ideal for a quick family dinner or to impress guests, without the need for hours of work in the kitchen.

The history of tortellini is fascinating, with roots in ancient culinary traditions that focus on using fresh and local ingredients. These stuffed pasta are a true treasure, and the combination with tomato sauce and cream makes this dish a comforting choice, perfect for any season.

Ingredients:
- 1 pack of meat tortellini (approximately 250g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can of tomato sauce (400g)
- 2 tablespoons cream
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- Fresh basil (a few leaves)
- Fresh or dried oregano (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50g beef pastrama (finely chopped)
- Grated mozzarella (to taste)

Preparation Steps:

1. Boiling the Tortellini: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and, once the water is boiling, add the tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 3-5 minutes. It is important not to overcook them, as you want the pasta to remain al dente.

2. Preparing the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and let them release their aroma for 3-4 seconds. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic will give the sauce a bitter taste.

3. Adding the Tomato Sauce: Once the garlic is aromatic, add the tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 boils, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Creating the Cream: After the sauce has started to boil, add the cream and liquid cream. Mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous and creamy. This step will give the sauce a rich and velvety texture.

5. Adding the Tortellini: Once the tortellini are ready, drain them well and add them to the pot with the sauce. Gently mix to coat the pasta evenly with the delicious sauce.

6. Preparing the Beef Pastrama: In a separate pan, fry the finely chopped beef pastrama over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This step adds a note of flavor and texture to your dish.

7. Serving: Once the pastrama is ready, add it over the tortellini and mix gently. Serve the dish hot, sprinkled with grated mozzarella and fresh basil leaves on top. The mozzarella will melt slightly, adding extra creaminess.

Useful Tips:
- Make sure the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot during boiling. You can stir occasionally.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the beef pastrama with chicken or a vegetarian option, such as mushrooms.
- For extra flavor, you can add chili flakes to the sauce if you like spicy food.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought tortellini? Yes, store-bought tortellini are just as tasty and save time.
- How can I store leftovers? Tortellini with sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Ideal Pairings:
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a glass of dry white wine. Additionally, a fresh baguette will be perfect for savoring the leftover sauce.

Nutritional Benefits:
Tortellini with meat provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, while the tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Using cream and liquid cream adds calcium and fat-soluble vitamins, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.

This recipe for tortellini with meat and tomato sauce is not just a simple meal but a true culinary experience that will fill your heart with joy. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a delicious dish!