Spinach Ricotta Dumplings in Napoli Sauce
Spinach Ricotta Dumplings in Napoli Sauce combine soft, creamy dumplings made with fresh spinach and ricotta cheese, served in a bright and tangy homemade Napoli tomato sauce. This comforting dish balances rich, cheesy flavors with the fresh zest of basil and tomatoes, making it perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dumpling Ingredients
- Fresh Spinach – 5 cups (washed and wilted)
- Ricotta Cheese – 1 ½ cups
- Grated Parmesan – ½ cup
- Eggs – 2 large (beaten)
- Flour – ¾ cup
- Salt – ½ teaspoon, plus more for boiling water
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Napoli Sauce Ingredients
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 2 cloves (finely chopped)
- Onion – 1 small (finely chopped)
- Canned Tomatoes – 1 can (400 grams / 14 oz, crushed or whole peeled)
- Fresh Basil – 10-12 leaves (torn)
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
- Prepare the Spinach: Wash fresh spinach thoroughly and lightly sauté in a pan until wilted; then squeeze out any excess liquid to keep the dumplings from becoming soggy.
- Make the Dumpling Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, finely chopped cooked spinach, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until you achieve a soft dough that holds together without being sticky.
- Shape the Dumplings: Using a spoon or your hands, form small dumplings about the size of a walnut. Keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then carefully drop in the dumplings. Once they float to the surface, let them cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes before removing with a slotted spoon.
- Prepare the Napoli Sauce: In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until translucent and fragrant. Add canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Simmer the sauce gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine and Serve: Place the cooked dumplings into the Napoli sauce and toss gently to coat. Let them absorb the sauce for a couple of minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- Drain the Spinach Well: Excess moisture can make dumplings fall apart, so ensure spinach is thoroughly squeezed dry.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your dumplings and sauce shines brightest with fresh spinach, basil, and quality ricotta.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Keep the dumpling mixture light and airy for soft results.
- Simmer Sauce Slowly: Low and slow cooking helps deepen the tomato flavors.
- Test One Dumpling First: Cook a single dumpling to check seasoning and texture before shaping the rest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 dumplings with sauce)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Spinach Ricotta Dumplings, Napoli Sauce, Italian Dumplings, Gluten-Free Dumplings, Vegetarian Dinner