Homemade tortellini with spinach and spicy pepper sauce

Homemade Tortellini with Spinach and Spicy Pepper Sauce

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Do you want to enjoy an authentic Italian dish without relying on store-bought products? Then this homemade tortellini recipe with spinach and spicy pepper sauce is the perfect choice! These tortellini are not only delicious but also suitable for a fasting diet, making them a healthy and flavorful option.

A Brief History of Tortellini
Tortellini have a rich and fascinating tradition. These small filled pasta shapes are a symbol of Italian cuisine, and despite their diversity, each variation retains the essence of simple yet flavorful ingredients. The most common fillings include meat, cheese, or vegetables, and today we will focus on a healthy spinach filling, perfect for fasting.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 350 g flour (ideally type 00 for a fine texture)
- A pinch of salt
- 125 ml warm water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

*For the filling:*
- 100 g frozen spinach (thawed and well-drained)
- 1/4 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

*For the pepper sauce:*
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 large peppers (diced)
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 small dried chili peppers (finely chopped)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Making the dough
Start by mixing the flour with a pinch of salt in a bowl. Place the flour on a wooden surface (make sure it is at room temperature, as a cold surface can prevent the dough from developing properly). Create a well in the center of the flour and pour in half of the warm water. Using a fork, begin incorporating the flour into the water, working from the edges towards the center.

2. Kneading the dough
As you add the remaining water, continue mixing. When the mixture becomes too difficult to handle with a fork, use your hands to knead the dough. If necessary, adjust the amount of water, ensuring the dough is pliable but not too sticky. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rest at room temperature.

3. Preparing the filling
In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil and add the onion and garlic. Sauté over low heat until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the thawed spinach, well-drained, and cook until it has no moisture left, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

4. Shaping the tortellini
Divide the dough into two pieces. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, about 1 mm thick. On the first sheet, form small mounds of the spinach filling, leaving 1-2 cm of space between them. Carefully place the second sheet of dough on top and gently press around each mound to seal the tortellini. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut out individual tortellini.

5. Boiling the tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the tortellini. Let them boil until they all float to the surface, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Drain the tortellini and keep them warm.

6. Preparing the sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 2 minutes, then add the diced peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato paste with the pepper paste and 50 ml of water, then pour the sauce into the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes, seasoning with salt and chopped chili pepper.

7. Serving
Serve the tortellini hot, topped with the pepper sauce. If desired, you can add some grated cheese, such as Parmesan, but it is not necessary for a fasting version.

Helpful Tips
- Make sure the spinach is well-drained so that the filling is not watery, which could affect the texture of the tortellini.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add soy cream to the pepper sauce.
- The tortellini can be stored in the freezer. Place them on a tray to freeze, then transfer them to a plastic bag to save space.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute spinach with other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can use ricotta cheese, zucchini, or even mushrooms for the filling.
2. What are the best spices for the sauce?
You can experiment with fresh basil or oregano for added flavor.
3. How can I make the tortellini less calorie-dense?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour to add fiber and reduce calories.

These homemade tortellini with spinach and spicy pepper sauce are not only an excellent choice for a fasting dinner but also a fantastic way to enjoy cooking at home. Whether you savor them alone or share them with loved ones, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Enjoy your meal!