Italian Ricotta Spinach Dumplings
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
40 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr
-
Servings
4 people
-
Calories
265 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Italian Ricotta Spinach Dumplings
Description
This recipe combines cooked and finely chopped leafy greens such as spinach or chard with soaked stale bread, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan or Pecorino, egg, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and flour to form a soft dough. The mixture is shaped into walnut-sized balls, rolled in flour, and gently boiled until they float, indicating doneness.
The dumplings are then sautéed or dressed with melted butter infused with sliced garlic, adding richness and a savory note. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens and balances the flavors. The mixture of cheeses adds richness and a slight saltiness, while nutmeg enhances the subtle earthy flavors of the greens.
These dumplings can be served alone as a light dish or alongside a sauce or broth. Their tender and moist texture pairs well with simple accompaniments. The use of fresh greens and ricotta gives them a fresh, delicate character.
Ingredients
DUMPLINGS
- 8 ounces leafy greens (spinach, amaranth, chard, turnip greens, etc)
- 2 ounces bread cut into 1/4-inch cubes, stale
- milk to soak bread, about 1/4 cup
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmigiano Cheese heaping, grated or pecorino cheese
- salt about 2 or 3 teaspoons, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1/2 cup flour
TO SERVE
- 1/4 cup butter duck fat or chicken fat
- 4 garlic sliced thin, 5 large cloves
- lemon juice a squeeze
Instructions
- Boil the greens in salty water until they're tender. This will range from a minute for delicate things like spinach or parsley, to maybe 4 minutes for New Zealand spinach or chard. Don't boil anything for more than about 7 minutes, or the greens will lose their pretty green color. Plunge the greens into a large bowl of ice water to shock them. Remove and squeeze the greens until they're just damp. Chop very fine and set into a bowl.
- Meanwhile, soak the bread cubes in the milk until they soften. When the bread is soft, mash it into a paste with your (very clean) hands so no large bits remain. Add this to the bowl with the greens.
- Add all the remaining dumpling ingredients except the flour. Add half of the flour now, and mix everything well. Try to form the mixture into balls about the size of a walnut. If they hold together well, you're good to go. If you are unsure, add the rest of the flour.
- Form the dough into balls, and roll each ball in a little flour. Drop the dumplings into the water you boiled the greens in and simmer them until they float, then about 1 minute more, about 5 or 6 minutes. Do this in two batches so you don't crowd the pot. Remove to a plate for the moment.
- To finish, heat the butter in a large sauté pan and cook the garlic slices gently until they just barely brown on the edges, about 1 minute. Add the dumplings and shake the pan to roll them around in the hot butter and garlic. When they're nicely coated, serve with a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 265 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 265kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 287mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 167mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1117IU | 22% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 124mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
