A typical Emilian product and a symbol of the region's long gastronomic tradition, tortellino bolognese is among the most well-known and imitated egg pastas in the world.
Without a doubt, tortellino is the king of local cuisine and is part of those Bolognese traditions that have made the city famous worldwide.
Tortellini history: some curiosities about tortellini origins
The word 'tortellino' comes from a diminutive of the terms 'tortello' and 'torta', both closely related, and refers to the typical filling based on pork, Parmigiano Reggiano and chicken eggs.
Tradition holds that the recipe for tortellini originated in a humble environment, where scraps and leftovers from the meat served at the tables of wealthy nobles were reused by the less wealthy. The story of the tortellino remains a source of much debate: tortellini originate in Modena or Bologna?
The birth of tortellini Modena or Bologna?
Although many know them as a dish of purely Bolognese origin, the dispute between Modena and Bologna over the origin of tortellino still lingers today and is a source of great rivalry between the two cities.
The Dotta Confraternita del Tortellino , the highest authority on the subject, has shed light on the matter , thanks to which we learned that tortellini , surprisingly, were born neither in Modena nor Bologna, but rather in Castelfranco Emilia.
In any case, the issue becomes increasingly complex as Castelfranco Emilia was a province of Bologna until 1927 under the Duchy of Este, and was then annexed to the city of Modena.
Who invented tortellini?
While the dispute over tortellini 's origins has long been a source of considerable controversy, the question of their creator has fueled further confusion and ambiguity. Various hypotheses have been put forward, some more plausible than others. According to some, tortellini originated with Dorotea Lapi, a noblewoman who drew inspiration from an ancient 14th-century treatise to create a new dish.
Others, however, have gone so far as to suggest that Pietro Filargo, better known as Pope Alexander V, was the true inventor of tortellini.
Whichever version you choose to believe, the most evocative tale of the tortellino remains the one involving the gods Mars, Bacchus, and Venus.
The legend of the Bolognese tortellino
There are several legends surrounding the origins of Bologna's tortellini: one of these tells of the owner of a Modena inn who, after peeking through the keyhole of a noblewoman's room, was so struck by the shape of her navel that he attempted to reproduce it in one of his dishes.
Another of the most famous traditional myths about the birth of tortellino offers a variation of the story featuring the goddess Venus: having remained asleep in the inn, it is said that upon waking she was surprised without clothes by the innkeeper, who was so fascinated by her that he used a piece of pastry to imitate the shape of her navel.
The traditional tortellino
Tortellini are a very serious matter for the people of Emilia: for this reason, the traditional recipe for tortellino bolognese has been registered with the Chamber of Commerce of Bologna since the 1970s.
Tortellini Bologna Recipe: Basic Ingredients
Its preparation involves, inside a dough made of flour and eggs, a typical tortellini Bolognese filling made with prosciutto crudo, pork loin, and mortadella Bolognese. The original recipe for tortellini Bolognese filling also includes Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, eggs, and nutmeg.
Once packaged, the tortellini are usually accompanied for tasting with a hot capon or chicken broth.
Savor the taste of authentic Bolognese tortellino in the city
The authentic, original tortellino, the real one, can be enjoyed in its full and enveloping flavor only in Bologna, in one of the many places in the city that uphold the honor of good food and fine drink.
For anyone looking for the most traditional Bologna food, a hearty plate of tortellini in broth or cream is the perfect way to celebrate the city. Along with mortadella bolognese, it's one of the city's most iconic products.
Enjoy a tour through the streets of the city center and the hills to discover Bologna's culinary traditions, or appreciate the goodness of our local cuisine between a visit to the Civic Archaeological Museum and a stroll under the Portici of Bologna.
Hotel Maggiore can offer you all the comforts you need for your stay in the city, offering not only a competitive price but also a range of personalized services that will make your travel experience one of a kind. We can advise you on what to see in Bologna, or provide directions on how to reach the most popular destinations, including the Palazzetto dello Sport, the Fiera, the Unipol Arena, and the Stadio Dall'Ara.
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