Malfatti
Malfatti are tender spinach and ricotta gnocchi-like dumplings full of fresh flavors, perfect for a comforting meal paired with rich meat sauce, suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan or Romano, minced green onion, basil, nutmeg, and crushed garlic together.
- Roll the mixture into finger-shaped pieces and coat them in flour.
- Place the shaped fingers on a cookie sheet and chill until very cold.
- Bring several inches of water to a rolling boil in a skillet.
- Carefully place the chilled fingers into the boiling water and cook until they float to the top.
- Remove the cooked malfatti from the water with a slotted spoon.
- Serve them hot, covered with meat sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using part-skim ricotta and whole wheat bread crumbs. If you don’t have green onions, finely chopped shallots can be a good substitute. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the mixture. Make sure to fully drain the spinach; excess moisture can affect the texture. These malfatti are a great addition to any Italian recipes repertoire.
Serving Suggestions
Serve malfatti hot, generously topped with meat sauce for a hearty meal. They pair well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian experience. For a lighter option, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs. These delightful dumplings also complement dishes like Wonderful Lasagne or Spaghetti Salad(Prep. Time: 30 Minutes).
Storage & Reheating
Leftover malfatti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently simmer them in a bit of water or meat sauce until warmed through, making sure not to overcook. They can also be frozen before cooking; just ensure they are well-coated in flour to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Malfatti contains roughly 953 calories, with 23g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before using to avoid excess moisture in the mixture, which can affect the texture of the malfatti.
What type of meat sauce works best for serving?
A hearty marinara or a rich meat sauce made from ground beef or Italian sausage complements malfatti beautifully. You can also use homemade sauce for the best flavor, or even a store-bought option if you’re short on time.
Can I make malfatti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the malfatti mixture and shape them ahead of time. Chill them as instructed, then either cook them right before serving or freeze them. Just remember to cook from frozen if you go that route, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).