National Tortellini Day
A culinary delight that never disappoints — delicate pasta bundles, hiding savory surprises within, like tiny edible presents in each bite.
Picture New Year celebrations in a fancy setting with party-goers sitting
The answer is tradition, long and glorious tradition. In Italy, clear soup appears on the festive menu because it is enriched with a generous portion of tortellini, thus elevating the dish to five-star status.
National Tortellini Day is the right moment to try some of the many variations of tortellini, including in soup.
Tortellini are made from thin fine pasta wrapped around delectable fillings of meat, ham or cheese, served with various sauces, or soup. Most Italians agree its filling must include a blend of prosciutto, mortadella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
How to Celebrate National Tortellini Day
Enjoy Eating Tortellini
In honor of this day, grab a friend or family member and head on out to an Italian restaurant to enjoy a steaming bowl full of delicious tortellini.
Choose a sauce that matches the filling, perhaps a garlic butter or version or creamy tomato and spinach. See what the chef has on offer and don’t forget to ask about special deals or discounts in honor of National Tortellini Day!
Try Making Tortellini
Looking for a pasta adventure in the kitchen at home? Try making tortellini from scratch in honor of this day. See a recipe below that includes instructions for tortellini made from refrigerated dough, or ask your grandma if she has a homemade recipe for pasta dough!
Host a Tortellini Day Gathering
Invite some friends over to a National Tortellini Day celebration! Ask them to bring their favorite version of tortellini, a sauce, salad, or garlic bread and, ultimately, there will be a complete meal.
History of Tortellini
Tortellini, the emblematic dish of the Bologna region of Italy, are considered more than appropriate for grand occasions. They should be accompanied by red wine, preferably Lambrusco, which also originates from Emilia-Romagna.
egend has it that a tavern-keeper in Bologna glimpsed the infamous femme fatale Lucrezia Borgia’s navel while spying on her through a keyhole, prompting him to immediately reproduce vision in pasta, thus inventing tortellini. This legend is also why their alternative name is “belly button” (ombelico).
Another similar legend originating in medieval Italy tells us about how the Roman gods Venus and Jupiter decided to spend the night in a tavern in Bologna after spending the whole day helping the surrounding regions to fight a war amongst themselves.
After eating, they went to their room, but the tavern keeper was so captivated by Venus’ beauty that he attempted to look at her through the door’s keyhole, much like in the aforementioned legend.
As the room was dark but for a few candles, all he could see was her navel, and the sight inspired him to recreate the heavenly vision in pasta as well. Creepy? Yes, a bit. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try tortellini–it’s one of the best-known Italian dishes for a reason.
National Tortellini Day was founded to show appreciation for this delicious food that has brought so many people together over a bowl!
Bonus: Tortellini Recipe
The best way to celebrate Tortellini day is to learn to make your own tortellini, which is not as difficult as it may seem. If this is your first attempt, feel free to buy the pasta dough ready-made, as this will greatly decrease the amount of work necessary.
- Roll and cut pasta dough into thin, two-inch squares.
- Put a small amount of filling in the center. Ricotta seasoned with black pepper and nutmeg is a popular choice that is both simple and traditional.
- Make a wash of egg mixed with 1/2 teaspoon water, and then brush on the edges of each square of dough.
- Fold the dough in half, making a triangle and press the edges together to seal them.
- To finish wrapping your tortellini, draw the points together, overlap them and press to seal into a ring shape. Done!
You should probably make about 20 tortellini per person, and it is best to let them sit for an hour or so before cooking them briefly in salted water.
Tortellini can be served with a variety of sauces, a brown butter and sage sauce, a simple tomato sauce or a pungent pesto sauce.
To celebrate tortellini day, why not make a few different sauces and try them all? If you have a bit more time on your hand, you could also experiment with various fillings, and then decide which sauce complements each filling best.
Buon appetito!
National Tortellini Day FAQs
How did tortellini get its nickname, “Venus’s Navel”?
A playful legend surrounds tortellini’s creation. It is said that an innkeeper in Castelfranco Emilia spied on the goddess Venus through a keyhole.
Enchanted by her beauty, he glimpsed her navel and was so inspired that he created pasta in its likeness.
This mythical origin remains a cherished story in the Emilia-Romagna region, tying the dish to romance, artistry, and divine inspiration.
The tale is celebrated in local festivals, emphasizing tortellini’s cultural significance as more than just food—it’s a piece of Italian folklore.
What’s the story behind the “Love Knot” tortellini?
In the town of Valeggio sul Mincio, a variation of tortellini called “Nodo d’Amore” (Love Knot) carries a beautiful legend.
It tells of a forbidden romance between a water nymph and a mortal man. Before vanishing forever, the nymph left a golden scarf tied in a knot to symbolize their love.
Inspired by this, the local pasta-makers shaped their tortellini like delicate knots.
The town celebrates this romantic tale with an annual festival where thousands of tortellini are served on a long table spanning the town’s bridge.
Why do Italians serve tortellini in broth during the holidays?
Serving tortellini in broth, especially during Christmas, is a deeply rooted tradition in Emilia-Romagna.
Historically, this dish symbolized comfort and abundance, as the rich broth—usually made with capon or beef—complemented the luxurious fillings of the tortellini.
The combination represented both warmth and celebration during cold winter months.
To this day, families in Bologna and Modena uphold this practice, gathering around steaming bowls of tortellini in broth as a centerpiece of their festive meals.
What is the “Dotta Confraternita del Tortellino”?
The “Dotta Confraternita del Tortellino” is a Bologna-based guild dedicated to preserving the authenticity of tortellini.
In 1974, they registered an official recipe with the Bologna Chamber of Commerce. The recipe specifies the exact dough, filling, and preparation methods for traditional tortellini.
This ensures the dish remains true to its roots despite modern variations. The guild frequently hosts events to educate the public about the heritage and artistry of tortellini-making.
What is the origin of tortellini folding techniques?
Tortellini folding varies by region, with distinct techniques reflecting local traditions.
In Bologna, tortellini are folded around the pinky finger to create a tight shape, while in Modena, chefs use the index finger for a slightly looser fold.
These methods influence the final texture and presentation of the pasta.
Mastering the fold is considered an art, with generations of Italian families passing down their unique styles. Some chefs even claim they can identify a person’s hometown by their folding technique.
Did Napoleon influence tortellini’s history?
Napoleon’s invasion of Italy in the late 18th century inadvertently shaped tortellini’s story.
French officers stationed in Emilia-Romagna were so impressed by the pasta that they requested it be shipped to France. Over time, the dish gained popularity across Europe.
This early exposure helped tortellini transition from a local specialty to a widely recognized delicacy, influencing its modern reputation as a gourmet food.
What are some unusual tortellini fillings?
While the traditional filling includes pork, prosciutto, and Parmesan, many chefs today experiment with unique options.
In the Veneto region, pumpkin-filled tortellini is popular, often seasoned with nutmeg and served with butter and sage. Modern twists include truffle-infused fillings or even seafood-based options like lobster or crab.
These innovative takes maintain the pasta’s essence while catering to contemporary tastes.
Is there a Guinness World Record for tortellini?
Yes! In 2018, chefs in Bologna set a Guinness World Record for the longest handmade tortellini.
The pasta stretched an incredible 120 meters (393 feet). It took dozens of chefs several hours to craft the record-breaking piece.
This event celebrated the skill and dedication required to make tortellini and highlighted Bologna’s pride in its culinary heritage.
How did tortellini influence pop culture?
Tortellini made a surprising appearance in the 1994 movie True Lies. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character famously orders tortellini while discussing espionage, sparking curiosity about the dish in American audiences.
This subtle nod to Italian cuisine reflected tortellini’s growing popularity in global culture.
Today, tortellini often appears in cookbooks, food shows, and even memes celebrating its delightful shape and flavor.
Are there any superstitions about eating tortellini?
In some Italian households, it’s believed that the first tortellini of the season should be eaten in silence to ensure good luck.
This tradition reflects an appreciation for the labor-intensive preparation of the dish.
It’s also thought that biting into a perfectly folded tortellini on New Year’s Day will bring prosperity throughout the year.
These superstitions, though playful, highlight the deep respect Italians have for their culinary traditions.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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