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Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce

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Malfatti, meaning ‘badly made,’ are rustic Italian spinach and ricotta dumplings served with a bright Napoli tomato sauce. Soft, pillowy, and full of flavor, they’re a comforting yet elegant dish straight from Tuscan tradition.

Ingredients

  • Ricotta Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, well-drained
  • Spinach: 10 oz fresh, blanched, squeezed dry, finely chopped
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour (or regular): 1/2 cup
  • Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Tomatoes (canned or fresh): 2 cups, crushed
  • Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil and prepare a saucepan for the sauce.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Mix ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, eggs, nutmeg, flour, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Dust hands with flour, shape mixture into small oval dumplings, and place on a floured tray.
  4. Assemble the Dish: For sauce, heat olive oil, sauté garlic, then add tomatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Drop dumplings into simmering water and cook 3–4 minutes until they rise to the surface.
  6. Finishing Touches: Toss dumplings gently in Napoli sauce.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with extra Parmesan and basil garnish.

Notes

  • Note: Drain ricotta thoroughly to prevent watery dough.
  • Note: Simmer dumplings gently to avoid breaking apart.
  • Note: Freeze uncooked dumplings for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyze.com/malfatti-italian-spinach-ricotta-dumplings-with-napoli-sauce/