Spinach & Ricotta Dumplings
Spinach & Ricotta Dumpling Recipe
Soft spinach and ricotta dumplings served with a rich tomato sauce,
Parmesan and fresh basil. A comforting, veggie-packed meal that's
simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Spinach & Ricotta Dumplings
Tomato Sauce
To Serve
Instructions
- Wilt the spinach – Place the spinach in a saucepan and heat until wilted. Remove from the heat, allow to cool, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Reserve the spinach water for the tomato sauce.
- Make the dumpling mixture – Coarsely chop the spinach and place in a mixing bowl. Add the ricotta, wholemeal flour, lemon zest, chopped basil, egg and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and mix until just combined.
- Prepare the tomato sauce – Preheat the oven to 200°C. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar and reserved spinach water. Stir occasionally and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Shape the dumplings – Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Roll approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture into balls.
- Cook the dumplings – Carefully lower the dumplings into the simmering water. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Assemble – Spoon the tomato sauce into a baking dish. Arrange the dumplings over the sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Bake – Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the Parmesan has melted and is lightly golden.
- Serve – Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Don't waste the spinach water: Reserve the water squeezed from the spinach and use it in the tomato sauce for extra flavour and to reduce food waste.
- Keep the dumpling mixture gentle: Mix until just combined to help keep the dumplings soft and tender.
- Fresh or dried herbs: Fresh basil works beautifully, but dried basil can also be used if that's what you have available.
- Serving suggestion: Add extra Parmesan and fresh basil before serving for even more flavour.
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