Ego Dialogues

Tortellini - Tortelloni

Here is some completely trivial information about pasta.

The food dictionary says..



So, both are correct - TortellINI AND TortellONI, but TortellONI are the larger ones, just so you know... There has been some confusion over this issue...


For those who want to know more, Buitoni says...

Tortellini and Tortelloni are essentially the same thing, with size being the only difference. Tortellini are small twists of pasta, stuffed with various fillings such as cheese or meat. Tortelloni are a larger version of this basic shape. The city of Bologna, Italy considers Tortellini their own. Legend has it when gods walked the earth, an innkeeper was so enchanted with the beauty of Venus, he modeled the little Tortellini after her navel! The nickname for this pasta in Bologna is "sacred navels"!

Linguine translated from Italian means "small or little tongues." considered a spaghetti, this pasta has the shape of a narrow, thick noodle, and can be served with a number of sauces.

Fettuccine is considered a noodle. Translated from Italian, it means "small ribbons." It can also be spelled as "fettuccini."

Angel Hair - In Italy, this pasta is known as "capelli d' angelo" or Angel Hair! This pasta is delicate and extremely thin (do not overcook!).

Ravioliis probably the most well-known in the pasta family. This pasta pillow is stuffed with cheese, meat or vegetables. Ravioli can be topped or baked with sauce.

Marinara Sauce - There are several Italian tomato sauces and Marinara is one of the most basic. A simple sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, seasonings and olive oil. This sauce goes well with any pasta. It is sometimes used as a simple base to cook a harvest from the sea!

Alfredo sauce is commonly paired with Fettuccine and was created during the 1920's by Roman restaurateur, Alfredo di Lello. Butter, grated Parmesan cheese, cream and black pepper make this sauce extra special.

Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy. Used primarily on pasta, Pesto can be used in a variety of dishes, such as Creamy Pesto Dipping Sauce.