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Spinach Ricotta Dumplings in Napoli Sauce

Spinach Ricotta Dumplings in Napoli Sauce
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Spinach Ricotta Dumplings in Napoli Sauce is a comforting and flavorful Italian dish featuring tender dumplings made from fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, served in a bright and tangy tomato-based Napoli sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe balances rich textures with fresh, savory flavors for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Dumplings

  • Fresh spinach – 10 oz (about 280 g)
  • Ricotta cheese – 1 cup (250 g)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated – 1/2 cup (50 g), plus extra for topping
  • Eggs – 2 large, beaten
  • All-purpose flour – 3/4 cup (90 g), plus extra for dusting (or gluten-free flour blend as variation)
  • Salt – pinch

Napoli Sauce

  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
  • Crushed tomatoes – 28 oz can (800 g)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Italian herbs (e.g., oregano, basil) – 1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh chopped

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves – few, for sprinkling
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain well and squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid soggy dumplings.
  2. Mix the Dumpling Dough: In a large bowl, combine the drained spinach with ricotta, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold in the flour little by little until the mixture holds together but remains soft and pliable.
  3. Shape the Dumplings: Using two spoons or floured hands, scoop small portions of the mixture and form dumplings about the size of a walnut. Place them on a floured tray to prevent sticking.
  4. Prepare the Napoli Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chopped garlic and onions until translucent and fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  5. Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer them directly into the warm Napoli sauce.
  6. Combine and Serve: Gently stir the dumplings into the Napoli sauce to coat evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent watery dumplings.
  • Mix ingredients just enough to hold together for tender dumplings—avoid overmixing.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Test one dumpling first by cooking it to check texture before shaping the whole batch.
  • Keep the Napoli sauce simmering slowly to deepen its tomato flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach Ricotta Dumplings, Napoli Sauce, Italian Dumplings, Comfort Food, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Easy Italian Recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/spinach-ricotta-dumplings-in-napoli-sauce/