Description
Malfatti are Italian spinach and ricotta dumplings that are soft, flavorful, and easy to make. They are a delightful dish that can be served as a main course or a side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the chopped spinach for about 2 minutes until wilted. Drain and cool under cold water. Squeeze out excess moisture and chop finely.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped spinach and flour until just combined. The mixture should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
- Using a spoon or your hands, form the mixture into small dumplings, about the size of a golf ball.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the dumplings into the water in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked dumplings and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. If using, sprinkle with fresh basil.
- Serve warm, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in some minced garlic or sautéed onions into the ricotta mixture.
- Substitute half of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg