Description

These Malfatti Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings with Napoli Sauce are a delightful dish that combines the freshness of spinach and the creaminess of ricotta, served with a flavorful homemade Napoli sauce. These rustic dumplings are a perfect choice for a comforting Italian meal.

Ingredients

For the Malfatti:

1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
1 cup ricotta cheese, well drained
½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 large egg
½ cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Napoli Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
5 fresh basil leaves, torn

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Malfatti: If using fresh spinach, blanch it, drain, cool, and squeeze out excess water. Chop finely. Combine spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, egg, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Shape into small dumplings and refrigerate.
Make the Napoli Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then stir in basil.
Cook the Malfatti: Boil dumplings until they float, then serve with Napoli sauce and Parmesan.

Notes

Malfatti translates to ‘badly made’ in Italian, emphasizing their rustic appearance.
Ensure ricotta and spinach are well-drained for the dough.