Indulge in the comforting embrace of Italian cuisine with our Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi with Tomato! This delightful dish, often referred to as gnocchi's lighter cousin, is a hidden gem that combines the creamy richness of ricotta with the vibrant freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a luscious tomato sauce. In just under an hour, you can impress your family and friends with a homemade meal that tastes like it came straight from a rustic Italian trattoria. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be a hit at your table!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, place the spinach in a large pot of boiling salted water and blanch for about 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the spinach again and squeeze out any excess moisture using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. Chop the spinach finely and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, blanched and chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the ricotta and spinach mixture, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should hold together but still be tender.
- On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into small pieces, approximately 1 inch long, to form the gnudi. If desired, you can use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the gnudi into the boiling water in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the gnudi float to the surface. Once they float, allow them to cook for an additional minute before using a slotted spoon to remove them. Transfer the cooked gnudi to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, spoon a generous amount of the warm tomato sauce onto each plate. Gently place the cooked gnudi on top of the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi with Tomato, a delightful Italian dish perfect for any occasion!
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest spinach and high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture. If possible, opt for homemade ricotta for an authentic touch.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. A tender texture is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Flour as Needed: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you work with it. Just remember to keep it soft to ensure the gnudi remain light and fluffy.
- Perfect Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the gnudi while they cook. Once they float, they’re almost done! Allowing them to cook for an extra minute ensures they’re perfectly tender.
- Customize the Sauce: While a classic tomato sauce is delicious, feel free to add herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. A splash of cream can also elevate the sauce to a richer level.
- Garnish with Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful touch to your plate.
- Serve Immediately: Gnudi are best enjoyed fresh off the stove. If you need to prepare them in advance, keep them warm and toss them gently with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a stunning dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
