Fried Tortellini! Whoa...

What you will need for this recipe is as follows:

• one package of tortellini

• three sausage links

• two russet potatoes

• olive oil and vegetable oil

• parmesan cheese

• oregano or an italian herb blend

The first thing to start with is a tortellini that you really like.  I used Pasta Prima 100% natural Spinach and Cheese Tortellini.  One package should be enough.

Second ingredient is your favorite sausage, one that will compliment or even contrast the pasta.  I chose Hillshire Farm Turkey Polska Kielbasa.  Three links of whatever kinda sausage you like!

Cook your pasta as directed, drain and rinse with cold water.  Set it aside for later.

Next you will need to get two russet potatoes and give them a rough chop.

Get a pan or I prefer to use my wok.  I use my wok for so many things, I couldn't live without it!  Put some olive oil and vegetable oil in the wok.  Blending the two oils allows you to use more heat without burning your oil.  Olive oil can't take higher temperatures, but it tastes good, so giving it a little help with the veggie oil works well.  Throw your potatoes in there to cook them.  You can add a small amount of water and cover them as they cook for part of the time to make sure that they are cooked through.

Turn up the heat in the wok to make sure you've burned off any excess water.  Get those taters a little brown!  Reduce heat and add some more olive oil.  I've been using Pompeian brand, it tastes ok.  When it's on sale I like Filippo Berio Extra Virgin, but when it's not on sale it's kinda pricy.  I bought the Pompeian with a coupon given to me by a friend with a coupon clipping shopping addiction.  I'm not laughing, it's an addiction for this individual.  Anyway...

So you've added some more oil.  Now it's time to throw in your cooked tortellini and let them meow with the potatoes!  Oh, I did forget to mention putting the  sliced sausage in with your taters after you make sure the water has been cooked off, then the pasta follows in shortly after the sausage.  Did I mention slicing the sausage?  Do that before it goes in the pan.

Fry them up until everything is lightly browned, we don't want that char broiled favor for this one.  Slightly crispy is also the goal.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and italian herbs to garnish.  If you got the Pasta Prima they give you a fun little pack of cheese and herbs so you're already set with that.  Pasta Prima has another variety of mushroom ravioli, which also comes with the cheese pack.  That might be another version of this recipe that could work well, especially with sausage.

Now it's time to plate your delicious and heart unhealthy fried tortellini.  Enjoy it, that's what frying is all about!