Who says you have to go to Italy to enjoy Italian Street Food? I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been to Italy twice and I do hope to get back eventually once the boys are older. Just like here in the US, the cuisine in Italy will vary depending on the region and a lot of that has to do with Italians really making use of what is available locally. Pasta is one thing that you will of course find everywhere and for good reason, its simple and delicious. These Fried Prosciutto Tortellini are so fantastic! They are easy to make, so incredibly flavorful and a perfect Italian Street Food.
I used a prosciutto & ricotta stuffed tortellini and just wow! The little bit of salty bite that the prosciutto adds to this dish is truly wonderful. The tortellini are simply dipped in an egg wash then into seasoned bread crumbs. They are fried for just a couple minutes per side until golden, crisp and perfect! A very quick tomato sauce to dip these Fried Prosciutto Tortellini in and you are set.
The tomato sauce is so easy and quick, only cooking for about 10 minutes. Heres the trick to it, starting with a really high quality tomato. My go to is any brand that uses San Marzano tomatoes, the taste is so incredibly fresh and makes for a perfect sauce. A little onion, garlic and fresh basil to make this easy dipping sauce. Once you pop one of these it will be tough to pull yourself away. I served them in these beautiful cones {from Restaurantware}.
- 12 oz pkg. prosciutto ricotta tortellini {or whatever variety you like}
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp milk
- 1 1/4 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 Tbsp grated pecorino cheese
- a handful of fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- light olive oil for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups pureed canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, rough chopped
- 3 Tbsp finely chopped onion
- fresh basil
- salt & pepper
- In a saucepan, over medium low heat, add the olive oil, onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Add in the pureed tomato, fresh basil and a little salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl whisk together the egg and milk.
- In another bowl stir together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, pecorino cheese, parsley and salt.
- Dip the tortellini into the egg mixture then into the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
- In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add in enough light olive oil to coat the bottom with about a 1/4 inch of oil.
- Fry the tortellini for about 2 minutes per side until golden. {NOTE: if they are browning too fast, the pasta will not be cooked on the inside. Test the oil by sprinkling in a pinch of bread crumbs, if they sink to the bottom the oil is not hot enough . The breadcrumb should gently bubble around the edges and rise to the top of the oil}.
- Place onto a cooling rack so keep crisp and allow excess oil to drain off. Continue until all tortellini is cooked, adding oil if needed.
- Sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley to garnish and dip away friends.
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Carlee
yum! They look amazing. I don’t think I have ever seen prosciutto tortellini at the store. Now I will be on a mission to find them!
Angela LeMoine
Thanks Carlee! They are pretty fantastic. The brand was Giovani Rana, a fresh pasta. Hope you can find it! If not, cheese will be great too!
debi at Life Currents
Oh, these are fun. And I’m excited about Italian street food week! Looking forward to some delicious recipes!
Angela LeMoine
Thank you! We love them!
Madi
This is such an awesome appetizer idea! I just love everything about it!
Angela LeMoine
Thank you! Enjoy!
Julie
Girl you’re killing me here! Prosciutto and ricotta? I don’t think I’d be able to pull myself away from that table. Those serving cones are adorable!
Angela LeMoine
I know, whats not to love right?
Sandra Shaffer
These look delicious! Love the Italian street food theme. These fried prosciutto tortellinis are a great appetizer. Love how easy the homemade sauce is and yes, San Marzano tomatoes are the best!
Angela LeMoine
Thank you!! They really are so fantastic and you can of course make a ton of variety between all the different fillings available and great to do with mini ravioli as well.
Deb
Fried Tortellini? I’d stand in line for this tasty bite!!
Angela LeMoine
Haha! Me too! I can’t resist eating way too many every time I make them
michele
These are perfect for a cocktail party.. and I definitely need to get some of those cones for serving them! Adorable!!
Angela LeMoine
Yes for sure! You can even make them ahead then pop in the oven just to warm
Kylee
When I was in Italy, I ate almost 100% from street carts – this reminded me of that! I loved how crispy these were, they were SO good!!
Angela LeMoine
Something about a perfectly fried bite of deliciousness
Jennifer A Stewart
These are totally addicting! Not sure if it will work but I might try it in my air fryer!
Angela LeMoine
Ohhh I’d love to hear how they turn out!
Nikki Lee
Fantastic! My ladies group loved them! A definite keeper!
Angela LeMoine
Oh thats wonderful!