Ingredients

2 - 2 1/4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese ( plus more for serving )
1 large egg
generous 1/3 cup unbleached flour , plus plenty of extra for rolling
1 few sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg
salt and pepper , to taste
tomato sauce , for serving ( a simple meatless marinara will do )
12 sage leaves ( I used tri-color sage from the garden and sliced them into thin ribbons )
1/3 cup butter
Malfatti, also known as Badly Made Dumplings, is a traditional Tuscan pasta dish that uses spinach and ricotta to create a unique flavor profile. The dough for malfatti is not rolled and shaped as traditionally done with pasta, but is scooped and cut to resemble dumplings. This dish can be served as a main course or even as a side dish. The combination of the spinach, ricotta, and crispy sage leaves creates a unique taste profile that is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and delicious meal. While the dough can be difficult to work with, the end result is well worth the effort.

Instructions

1.Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
2.Drain and allow to cool, then squeeze out any excess moisture before roughly chopping.
3.In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, parmesan, egg, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4.Mix well until fully combined.
5.Spread a generous amount of flour on your work surface, then scoop a golf-ball sized amount of the mixture onto the flour and roll into a log.
6.Use a sharp knife to cut each log into 1-inch pieces and place on a floured baking sheet.
7.In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
8.Add the sage leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until crispy.
9.Add the malfatti to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides.
10.Serve with tomato sauce and extra parmesan cheese on top.

PROS

The mix of spinach, ricotta, and parmesan creates a unique and flavorful taste that is sure to please any pasta lover.

The crispy sage leaves add a burst of flavor to each bite.

CONS

The malfatti dough can be quite soft and sticky, making them difficult to roll and cut.

The cooking process can also be messy and require close attention to avoid burning the sage leaves or overcooking the malfatti.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The spinach in this recipe provides a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
The ricotta cheese is also a good source of calcium and protein.

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