When autumn knocks on the door, it brings with it the warm and enveloping flavors of the season. One above all, chestnuts, true protagonists of autumnal tables. That’s why today I propose a recipe that celebrates this ingredient in a unique way: Chestnut Tortelli.
Easy, quick, and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is ready in just 50 minutes (30 preparation and 20 cooking), making it perfect for an autumn dinner. With only 450 calories per serving, it’s also surprisingly light.
Let yourself be seduced by the sweet and round taste of chestnuts enclosed in a homemade fresh pasta shell. These tortelli are the quintessence of autumnal comfort food!
Recipe Notes
- DIFFICULTY: easy
- PRO: autumnal and tasty
- CON: requires preparation time
- PREPARATION: 30 minutes
- COOKING: 20 minutes
- CALORIES PER SERVING: 450
Notes on the Recipe Ingredients
Let’s discover together the autumnal flavors of these Chestnut Tortelli.
- Chestnut Cream: The sweet soul of the tortelli that evokes autumn.
- Flour: Base for a soft and welcoming dough.
- Butter: Adds creaminess, making everything more delicious.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors with its essential sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients, ensuring structure to the dessert.
- Yeast: For always soft and well-risen tortelli.
- Lemon: Its zest gives a fresh and aromatic touch.
- Vodka: Secret for a more elastic and crumbly dough.
- Salt: A pinch that enhances all the flavors of the ingredients.
Nutritional Values of the Autumn Dish
This autumn dish offers an interesting mix of flavors and nutrients, presenting both positive and negative aspects from a nutritional point of view:
- Chestnut Cream: Source of minerals such as potassium and magnesium, as well as fiber. However, it is also rich in sugars.
- Flour and Butter: Provide a significant amount of calories and saturated fats, which if consumed in excess can negatively affect cardiovascular health.
- Eggs: Supply high-quality proteins and B-group vitamins, essential for energy metabolism.
- Yeast: Contributes to fermentation, improving the digestibility of the dish.
- Vitamin C from Lemon: Natural antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Each portion contains 450 calories, making it a moderately caloric option suitable as a main dish or indulgent dessert during autumn.
Chestnut Tortelli: The Ultimate Autumn Recipe
Instructions
- Place the flour in a heap on a pastry board.
- Combine the baking powder, sugar, lemon zest and a pinch of salt.
- Add 2 egg yolks and 1 egg white, the vodka and melted butter, mixing everything together.
- Form a loaf with the resulting dough.
- Roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/2 cm.
- Arrange the chestnut cream in mounds on the rolled-out dough.
- Fold the dough over itself and cut out the tortelli.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for about 20 minutes.
Notes
Creative Variations for an Autumnal Dish
Exploring alternatives and variations to the traditional chestnut cream dessert can turn a simple recipe into a culinary adventure. A first idea could be the addition of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, which pair perfectly with the sweet and earthy taste of chestnuts, enriching the aroma and flavor of the dish.
Alternatively, for those seeking a more pronounced contrast, adding pieces of dark chocolate to the mixture can offer a surprising harmony between the sweetness of the cream and the bitterness of the chocolate. This version is particularly appreciated by those with a sweet tooth.
For lovers of fresher and herbaceous flavors, replacing part of the vodka with anise liqueur or limoncello can add a new aromatic dimension to the dessert. Finally, for those looking for a rustic and homely touch, incorporating small pieces of candied chestnuts into the filling will make each bite even more special.
Be inspired by these ideas to personalize your autumnal preparation and make every taste unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions from our readers.
How can I store Chestnut Tortelli?
You can store the tortelli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days. Before consuming them, you can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Is it possible to replace Vodka with another ingredient?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can replace vodka with cold water or room temperature milk without compromising too much the final result of your tortelli.
Can Chestnut Tortelli be frozen before cooking?
Yes, you can prepare the tortelli and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the freezer. Once solidified, transfer them to a freezer-safe food bag and cook them directly from the freezer, slightly extending the cooking time.
