Mexican-Style Tortelli with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

In this Mexican-American adaptation of the traditional Italian dish, Tortelli, we infuse the flavors of Mexican cuisine into the recipe. The filling is enhanced with Mexican spices and herbs, and the tortelli are served in a spicy tomato sauce instead of the traditional Italian sauces. This fusion dish brings together the best of both worlds, creating a unique and exciting culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Tortelli, so you can check it out.

• For the tortelli: For the tortelli:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) shredded Mexican cheese blend 1 cup (120g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Water, as needed Water, as needed
• For the spicy tomato sauce: For the spicy tomato sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Beat the eggs with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded Mexican cheese blend, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder to make the filling.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin sheet using a rolling pin or pasta machine.
5. 5.
   Place small spoonfuls of the filling onto one half of the dough sheet, leaving space between each spoonful. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press around each spoonful to seal.
6. 6.
   Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out the tortelli. Press the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed.
7. 7.
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortelli for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
8. 8.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
9. 9.
   Add the diced tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. 10.
    Pour the spicy tomato sauce over the cooked tortelli and gently toss to coat.
11. 11.
    Serve the Mexican-Style Tortelli hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese — Use a Mexican cheese blend that melts well, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Queso Quesadilla.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Ground cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then grind them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can use store-bought pasta sheets instead of making the dough from scratch.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
• Serve the tortelli with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema for added creaminess.
• Customize the filling by adding cooked and crumbled chorizo or diced roasted peppers.
• Leftover tortelli can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving advice

Mexican-Style Tortelli is best served hot, straight from the stove. Garnish each plate with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with a side of warm crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tortelli on a large serving platter, drizzle the spicy tomato sauce over them, and sprinkle with additional shredded Mexican cheese and chopped cilantro. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing and inviting.