Wednesday, 10-July-2024


I really am starting to love tortellini, you know that?

Okay, hear me out. It’s simple, it’s got all your major macros, it doesn’t really need many spices, and the Tortellini in Europe is shelf-stable. It’s a really good meal base to pick up while travelling long-term, when you don’t want to buy spices and such but do want to cook a meal at home every once in a while.

I first found them in Iceland, rocked ’em in Warsaw… and now, my Mom, Steve, and I rocked them in Cassis too!

Steve was our hunter – braving the French grocery store in order to return the required parts of the meal. I was the chef, combining them and plating everything. My Mom was the sous chef, assisting and helping me keep everything on-time and in order. Together, we made a rather excellent meal!

Was it complicated? Well… no. Not at all.

Was it delicious, though? Well, I’ll post some photos here so you can see… but yes. Yes it was, and I was very proud of that fact. Huzza!

Now, a quick recipe, for those travelling who may enjoy a simple meal that can be procured pretty much everywhere in Europe, and requires only a single pot (though I also used a skillet):

• Tortellini – I prefer proscuitto or chicken fillings, but cheese works quite well
• Broccoli – Easy to find, chopped up to taste
• Tomatoes – Really any type, just cut up to be about the size of your thumb, maybe
• Prosciutto – optional, but adds a nice saltiness to the meal
• Parmesan cheese – optional, but it just makes everything better

Directions:
Cook the tortellini per instructions, taking it off the boil about 3min early. (Optional: fry up the Prosciutto in a pan, removing it once it’s crispy but leaving the rendered grease in the pan to season the broccoli.) Steam the broccoli with some of the leftover water from the tortellini, and make sure to strain out the rest of the tortellini. Don’t leave it to soak in the water! Toss in the Tortellini, tomatoes, and Parm cheese if you’re using it, and once the broccoli is firm but cooked then serve!

And, uhh… if you don’t have a bowl big enough, don’t be afraid to get creative. Like putting the broccoli in a flower vase.

Not that I’d know.