Malfatti Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings Napoli Sauce

If you’re looking to dive into a truly comforting Italian classic, Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce offers just that—a perfect harmony of tender dumplings made from fresh spinach and creamy ricotta, paired with a vibrant, homemade tomato Napoli sauce. This dish celebrates simplicity and authentic flavors, bringing a gentle yet rich bite that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned pasta lover or just exploring traditional Italian cuisine, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavorful Experience: Every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach with a bright, tangy Napoli sauce.
• Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: Packed with greens and high-quality cheese, it’s a nourishing meal without compromising taste.
• Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: Uses pantry essentials that come together to create an impressive, yet easy-to-make dish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, special gatherings, or even meal prep thanks to its versatility.
• Vegetarian Friendly: This recipe fits beautifully into a meat-free diet without feeling lacking or heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce starts with a handful of fresh and simple ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—from the softness of the ricotta to the vibrant notes in the Napoli sauce, ensuring a colorful and flavorful dish every time.

• Fresh Spinach: Provides color, moisture, and a lovely earthy backdrop to the dumplings.
• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy foundation that makes each dumpling tender and rich.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick that balances the mild ricotta perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a binder to hold the dumplings together without overpowering texture.
• Egg: Helps bind the mixture, ensuring the dumplings keep their shape while cooking.
• Garlic and Onion: Key aromatics that enhance the Napoli sauce’s depth and warmth.
• Canned Tomatoes: The base of the Napoli sauce, bringing freshness and a slightly sweet acidity.
• Fresh Basil: Adds fragrant herbal notes that lift the sauce and complement the dumplings.
• Olive Oil: Used both in the dough and the sauce for richness and smoothness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all elements to life.

Variations for Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce

Feel free to make this recipe your own! With its versatile nature, Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce can be easily tweaked to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or simply to add some extra flair at your next meal.

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a dumpling everyone can enjoy.
• Vegan Version: Use tofu or cashew cream as a ricotta substitute, and a plant-based egg replacer for binding.
• Spicy Napoli Sauce: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers for a zesty kick.
• Herb Boost: Mix in fresh parsley, oregano, or thyme into both dumplings and sauce to deepen flavor layers.
• Add Cheese Variety: Incorporate mozzarella or pecorino for a different cheese profile and texture.

How to Make Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach and blanch it in boiling water for about 2 minutes until just wilted. Drain well and squeeze out as much water as possible—this step is crucial to prevent soggy dumplings.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Mixture

Combine the drained spinach with ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Gradually add flour while mixing gently until the mixture holds together but remains soft and workable.

Step 3: Shape the Malfatti Dumplings

Using two spoons or your hands, scoop small portions of the dough and drop them gently into a pot of boiling salted water. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings

The dumplings will cook in just a few minutes—once they float to the top of the water, let them cook an additional 1-2 minutes before carefully removing them with a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Prepare the Napoli Sauce

In a pan, sauté finely chopped garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant and translucent. Add canned tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer gently, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors blend beautifully.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Place the cooked Malfatti dumplings into the skillet with the Napoli sauce and toss gently to coat them evenly. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Pro Tips for Making Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce

• Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Excess moisture can ruin the dumpling texture, so squeeze out every bit of water before mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Combine ingredients gently to keep the dumplings light and tender.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cheese and herbs dramatically improve the authenticity and flavor depth of the dish.
• Simmer Sauce Low and Slow: A gently cooked Napoli sauce develops richer, sweeter flavors without bitterness.
• Test One Dumpling First: Boil one dumpling initially to check seasoning and consistency before cooking the entire batch.

How to Serve Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce

Garnishes

Top with freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese and a few torn basil leaves to add color and an aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil or serve alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic look, serve the dumplings in shallow bowls with hearty spoonfuls of Napoli sauce, or arrange on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs for an inviting family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover dumplings and sauce stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

Freezing

Freeze the uncooked Malfatti dumplings on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags. They can be cooked directly from frozen when needed, perfect for quick meals.

Reheating

Warm dumplings in a skillet with a splash of water or extra sauce over low heat to prevent drying out, or gently microwave covered to maintain moisture.

FAQs

What does Malfatti mean?

“Malfatti” translates to “poorly made” or “misshapen” in Italian, referencing the rustic, handmade appearance of these tender dumplings.

Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water beforehand to avoid soggy dumplings.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional Malfatti use flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour blends to make the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

How long can I keep the Napoli sauce in the fridge?

Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days; it also freezes well in portions for up to 3 months.

Can I add meat to this dish?

While Malfatti is traditionally vegetarian, adding sautéed sausage or ground beef to the Napoli sauce is a popular variation for meat lovers.

Final Thoughts

Malfatti (Italian Spinach Ricotta Dumplings) with Napoli Sauce is a heartwarming dish that beautifully showcases Italian comfort food traditions in a simple yet elegant way. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Italy that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe for cozy dinners filled with love and flavor!

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