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Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings)

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Malfatti are traditional Italian dumplings made with spinach and ricotta cheese. These light and fluffy dumplings are baked in a tomato sauce or served with sage butter, offering a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g ricotta cheese, well-drained
  • 200 g fresh spinach, cooked, squeezed dry, and finely chopped
  • 100 g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk
  • 50 g all-purpose flour or fine semolina
  • 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups tomato or marinara sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for baking)

Instructions

  1. Drain the ricotta thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
  2. Blanch the spinach, squeeze dry, and finely chop.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, egg and yolk, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  4. Shape the mixture into oval dumplings using two spoons or your hands, about 1.5 tbsp each. Place on a floured surface or tray.
  5. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  6. Spread tomato sauce in a baking dish and gently place dumplings on top. Drizzle with olive oil if using.
  7. Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
  8. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh basil and more Parmesan.

Notes

  • Ensure ricotta is well-drained to avoid soggy dumplings.
  • Semolina can be used instead of flour for a lighter texture.
  • For a different version, serve with browned butter and sage instead of tomato sauce.
  • Dumplings can be formed ahead of time and refrigerated until baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/malfatti-italian-spinach-ricotta-dumplings/