Tortelli
Tortelli is a type of filled pasta traditionally made in the Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany regions of Italy. It can be found in several shapes, including square, semi-circular, or twisted into a rounded, hat-like form. It can be served with melted butter, bolognese sauce, broth, or other sauces. The same word is also used to describe small, fried pastries filled with jam or cream.
Ricotta tortelli, served with butter and herbs, is a popular dish in Romagna. Other typical dishes include tortelli with pumpkin and tortelli di parma, with ricotta and herbs, spinach, potatoes, or pumpkin.
Many popular forms of tortelli can be found in Tuscany. Tortello del Melo is typical in Pistoia. Potato torricelli is popular in Arezzo, Florence, and Prato. Maremma is known for an unusually large form of tortelli with ricotta and spinach.
Torricelli, a semi-circular form of tortelli with a filling of meat and herbs, is from the Apuan Alps region, particularly Lucca, Versilia, and Garfagnana. It was originally a special meal for Shrove Tuesday, but is now prepared year-round.
