Amazing Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi for Comfort Food Lovers

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by Hannah Reed

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When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the warm embrace of Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi. Picture yourself sinking your fork into these fluffy little pillows of joy, bursting with flavor. The creamy ricotta dances with vibrant spinach, all wrapped up in a delicate dough that hugs your taste buds like an old friend. The aroma wafting from the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.

Now, here’s a fun fact: my first encounter with gnudi was during a charming dinner party where I accidentally mistook it for a fancy Italian dumpling. Spoiler alert: I was not disappointed! This dish is perfect for everything from romantic dinners to casual family gatherings, and let me tell you—your guests will be begging for seconds. So buckle up as we dive into this culinary adventure that promises to deliver a sensational flavor experience!

Why You'll Love This Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

  • This amazing Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Ingredients for Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi:

  • Fresh Spinach: About 10 ounces will do; opt for vibrant green leaves that are free of wilting.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it’s key to achieving that luscious texture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: You’ll need around one cup; this helps bind everything together without making it too heavy.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; about half a cup will add a delightful nutty flavor.
  • Eggs: Two large eggs help to bind the mixture; they’re essential for that perfect consistency.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste; these humble seasonings bring all the flavors together beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

How to Make Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi:

Step 1: Sauté the Spinach

Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and toss in your fresh spinach. Sauté until wilted, which should take about two minutes. Remove from heat and let cool before chopping finely.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended into a creamy concoction that looks appealing enough to eat straight from the bowl.

Step 3: Add Flour Gradually

Slowly incorporate all-purpose flour into your cheesy mixture until you achieve a soft dough-like consistency. Be careful not to overmix; we’re aiming for fluffy gnudi here!

Step 4: Shape Your Pillows

Using floured hands (and possibly some flair), take small portions of dough and roll them into bite-sized balls or “pillows.” Think of them as tiny clouds ready to float into your mouth!

Step 5: Cook the Gnudi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Once boiling, carefully drop in your gnudi and cook them until they float to the surface—this usually takes about three minutes.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Once cooked, gently transfer the gnudi onto plates or into bowls. Drizzle with your favorite sauce or simply toss them in melted butter and sage for an elegant touch.

Now you have a plateful of delightful Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi ready to impress! Serve them hot and watch as everyone dives in like they just found buried treasure at sea. savory hummus veggie wraps light veggie pasta salad Bon appétit!

You Must Know About Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

  • This amazing Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi Cooking Process

Start by boiling water for your gnudi while sautéing garlic in olive oil. Mix the spinach and ricotta, form the gnudi, and drop them into boiling water until they float. Meanwhile, prepare your sauce to ensure everything is ready at once.

Add Your Touch to Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

Feel free to swap in different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a twist. Add spices like nutmeg or even chili flakes for a kick. Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to elevate your dish!

Storing & Reheating Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

Store leftover gnudi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently simmer in a bit of sauce or stock until warmed through, ensuring they stay tender and delightful.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

  • This amazing Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Use fresh spinach over frozen for better texture and flavor; wilted spinach brings out its natural sweetness.

Avoid overworking the dough to keep gnudi light and airy; treat it like it’s made of glass!

Test a small gnudi in boiling water before cooking the whole batch; this ensures perfect texture every time.

There was that one time I made Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi for my friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! Let’s just say I’ve become the go-to chef for our get-togethers since then!

FAQs About Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

What is Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi?

Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi are delicate dumplings made primarily from spinach and ricotta cheese, resembling gnocchi but lighter in texture. These flavorful bites are often served with a simple sauce or sautéed vegetables. The combination of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta results in a dish that is both nutritious and delicious. creamy mac and cheese bites cheesy grilled cheese roll ups Typically, they are rolled into small balls or quenelles and cooked until they float to the surface of boiling water, indicating they are ready to enjoy.

How do you cook Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi?

Cooking Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi is quite simple and quick. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the gnudi, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes or until they rise to the surface, which indicates they are done. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnudi and transfer them to a serving dish. You can serve them immediately with your favorite sauce or sautéed in olive oil with garlic for added flavor.

Can I make Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi ahead of time! After forming the dumplings, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the gnudi to an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply cook from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to their cooking time. This makes it easy to have a delicious meal ready whenever you want!

What sauces pair well with Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi?

Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces. For a classic approach, consider using a simple brown butter sage sauce; its nutty flavor complements the ricotta perfectly. Alternatively, a light marinara or tomato basil sauce can provide a refreshing contrast. If you prefer cream-based sauces, try Alfredo or a rich pesto cream sauce for added depth. Each option enhances the flavors of the gnudi while allowing their delicate texture to shine.

Conclusion for Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi

In summary, Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi are delightful dumplings that combine nutritious spinach with creamy ricotta for an enticing dish. You can easily prepare these gnudi at home and customize them with various sauces according to your preference. Whether served in a light broth or tossed in sauce, they offer versatility and comfort in every bite. Enjoy making this delicious recipe as part of your culinary adventures!

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Amazing Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi for Comfort Food Lovers

Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi


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  • Author: Hannah Reed
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Spinach & Ricotta Gnudi are delightful, fluffy dumplings that beautifully combine the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the vibrant flavor of fresh spinach. These light pillows are a perfect comfort food, ideal for any occasion—from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings. With their delicate texture and versatility, they can be served with a variety of sauces, making them an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 oz fresh spinach
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted (about 2 minutes). Cool and chop finely.
  2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, eggs, salt, and pepper until well blended.
  3. Gradually add flour until you achieve a soft dough-like consistency.
  4. Roll small portions of dough into bite-sized balls.
  5. Boil salted water; drop gnudi in and cook until they float (about 3 minutes).
  6. Serve with your favorite sauce or toss in melted butter and sage.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 gnudi (120g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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