Homemade Tortellini

Directions

Pasta Dough:

1. Make a well in the center of the flour. Add eggs. Mix together until smooth and well combined.

2. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes before rolling.

Filling:

1. Boil then grind chicken breasts.

2. Cook pork and steak.

3. Grind all the meat together using a food processor

4. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a sauce pan and add meat.

5. Add 4 eggs (one at a time), cheese, bread crumbs, and salt and pepper.

Assemble :

1. Roll the Dough

1. Divide the dough into 2-4 pieces to make it easier to handle.

2. Flatten one piece slightly with your hands or a rolling pin.

3. If using a pasta machine: Start with the widest setting. Pass the dough through, then fold it in half and repeat 2-3 times to make it uniform.

   Gradually reduce the thickness setting with each pass until the dough is about 1/16 of an inch thick (translucent but sturdy).

4. If rolling by hand: Roll the dough out on a floured surface, turning occasionally to prevent sticking.

   Roll until thin enough to faintly see your hand through the dough.

5. Lay the sheet of dough on a lightly floured surface or a clean kitchen towel.

Cut the Dough

1. Use a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or round cookie cutter to cut the dough into even squares about 2-3 inches wide.

Fill the Tortellini

1. Place a small amount of filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) in the center of each square or circle. Avoid overfilling to prevent the tortellini from bursting.

2. Lightly dampen the edges of the dough with water (use your fingertip or a pastry brush).

Shape the Tortellini

1. For squares: Fold the dough diagonally to form a triangle, pressing the edges firmly to seal.

   Bring the two bottom corners of the triangle together, overlapping slightly, and pinch them to form a ring. Tip: wrap them around the tip of your finger to make it easier to pinch ends together

Rest the Tortellini

1. Place the shaped tortellini on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch to prevent sticking.

2. Let them rest for 15-20 minutes to dry slightly before cooking or freezing.

Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

2. Add the tortellini and cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on their size, until they float to the surface.

3. Drain gently and serve with your favorite sauce.