Discover the rich flavors of Anolini in Brodo, a classic Italian dish featuring small, round pasta filled with savory meat and served in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe guides you through the steps to make tender Anolini pasta and a delicious homemade broth that will impress your family and friends. Ideal for special occasions or a cozy dinner, Anolini in Brodo brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Anolini:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 3 large eggs

- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 1/2 pound ground beef

- 1/4 pound ground pork

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Broth:

- 6 cups beef or chicken broth

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

- 2 celery stalks, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 sprig fresh thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent.

  - Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper.

  - Stir in the chopped parsley and let the mixture cool. Mix in the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Make the Pasta Dough:

  - On a clean surface, create a mound with the flour and make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well.

  - Gradually mix the flour into the eggs until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Form the Anolini:

  - Roll out the dough on a floured surface until very thin. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out small circles of dough.

  - Place a small spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Press the edges with a fork or use a ravioli press to seal completely.

Prepare the Broth:

  - In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.

  - Add the broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.

Cook the Anolini:

  - Carefully add the Anolini to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the pasta is tender and floating.

Serve:

  - Ladle the broth and Anolini into bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting Italian meal!

This Anolini in Brodo recipe combines hearty meat-filled pasta with a flavorful broth for a truly satisfying dish that captures the essence of Italian comfort food.

Nutritional values

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values and benefits of the ingredients in your Anolini dish:

For the Anolini:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

   - Calories: 455

   - Fat: 1.2g

   - Carbohydrates: 95.4g

   - Protein: 12.9g

Benefits:

   - Provides energy through carbohydrates.

   - Contains some protein and small amounts of iron and B vitamins.

   - Low in fiber compared to whole-grain alternatives.

Large Eggs (3):

   - Calories: 72

   - Fat: 5g

   - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

   - Protein: 6g

Benefits:

   - High-quality protein source.

   - Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, choline, and selenium.

   - Supports eye health due to lutein and zeaxanthin.

Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup):

   - Calories: 216

   - Fat: 14g

   - Carbohydrates: 2g

   - Protein: 19g

Benefits:

   - High in calcium, supporting bone health.

   - Rich in protein and contains essential amino acids.

   - Adds umami flavor and depth to the dish.

Ricotta Cheese (1 cup):

   - Calories: 428

   - Fat: 32g

   - Carbohydrates: 7.6g

   - Protein: 28g

Benefits:

   - Good source of protein and calcium.

   - Contains vitamins A and B12.

   - Creamy texture enhances the richness of the filling.

Ground Beef (1/2 pound):

   - Calories: 576

   - Fat: 45g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 36g

Benefits:

   - High in protein and essential amino acids.

   - Good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

   - Supports muscle growth and energy production.

Ground Pork (1/4 pound):

   - Calories: 294

   - Fat: 23g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 19g

Benefits:

   - Rich in protein and essential amino acids.

   - Contains thiamine, which supports energy metabolism.

   - Adds a different flavor profile and richness to the filling.

Small Onion, Finely Chopped:

   - Calories: 28

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Carbohydrates: 6.6g

   - Protein: 0.8g

Benefits:

   - Rich in antioxidants, particularly quercetin.

   - Supports heart health and boosts the immune system.

   - Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the filling.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

   - Calories: 4

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Protein: 0.2g

Benefits:

   - Contains allicin, which may have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.

   - Supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure.

   - Adds a pungent flavor and aroma to the dish.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped):

   - Calories: 5

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Protein: 0.5g

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

   - Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.

   - Adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the filling.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

   - Salt: High in sodium, no calories.

   - Pepper: Minimal calories and adds antioxidants.

Benefits:

   - Salt: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation.

   - Pepper: Adds a spicy kick and can aid digestion.

For the Broth:

Beef or Chicken Broth (6 cups):

   - Calories: 15-50 (depending on the type)

   - Fat: 0-2g

   - Carbohydrates: 1-2g

   - Protein: 1-2g

Benefits:

   - Provides flavor and depth to the soup.

   - May contain minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

   - Hydrates the body and serves as a low-calorie base.

Small Onion, Chopped:

  - (See onion details above).

Carrots (2, peeled and chopped):

   - Calories: 25

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 6g

   - Protein: 0.5g

Benefits:

   - High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A for eye health.

   - Supports immune function and skin health.

   - Adds natural sweetness and color to the broth.

Celery (2 stalks, chopped):

   - Calories: 6

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Carbohydrates: 1.2g

   - Protein: 0.3g

Benefits:

   - Low in calories and high in water content, aiding hydration.

   - Contains fiber that supports digestion.

   - Adds crunch and a slight bitterness to balance flavors.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - (See garlic details above).

Bay Leaf (1):

   - Calories: <1

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

   - Adds aromatic flavor.

   - May aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

This Anolini dish is rich in protein from the meats and cheeses, provides essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and herbs, and delivers carbohydrates for energy through the flour and pasta.