Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Oval Dumplings
Delight your taste buds with these creamy Spinach and Ricotta Oval Dumplings, a comforting and savory dish perfect for any occasion. These dumplings are a wonderful blend of ricotta cheese, spinach, and delicate spices, enveloped in a soft dough. They are not only easy to make but also make for an excellent appetizer or main course. Serve them drizzled with melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an unforgettable culinary experience that you can share with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
butter or margarine
6 tablespoons (Melted)
frozen chopped spinach
3 (10 ounce) packages (Thawed and drained)
ricotta cheese
1 cup (None)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (Divided)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (None)
garlic salt
3/4 teaspoon (None)
eggs
2 (Beaten)
water
3 quarts (None)
chicken bouillon granules
3 tablespoons (None)
butter or margarine (for drizzling)
1/4 cup (Melted)
grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2
Incorporate the thawed and drained spinach into the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until any excess liquid has evaporated.
3
Stir in the ricotta cheese and continue to cook, mixing well for another 3 minutes, until heated through. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl.
4
Add 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 3/4 teaspoon of garlic salt to the bowl. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
5
Once cooled, stir in the beaten eggs until thoroughly combined.
6
Prepare a small bowl with the remaining 3/4 cup of flour. Take tablespoonfuls of the dumpling mixture and gently drop them into the flour, rolling them lightly to coat and shape each into an oval dumpling.
7
In a large saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water and 3 tablespoons of chicken bouillon granules to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
8
Cook the dumplings in batches, adding a third of them at a time, and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean.
9
Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the liquid and keep them warm on a serving platter.
10
Finally, drizzle the melted butter over the dumplings and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Oval Dumplings?
They are a comforting and savory dish made from a blend of ricotta cheese, spinach, and spices, enveloped in a soft dough and shaped into ovals.
How should I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
You should use three 10-ounce packages of frozen chopped spinach that have been thoroughly thawed and drained.
What types of cheese are used in the dumplings?
The recipe calls for ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
You will need 1 cup of ricotta cheese.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for both sautéing and drizzling.
How many eggs are included in the mixture?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs to be stirred into the mixture once it has cooled.
How much flour do I need in total?
A total of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour is needed, which is divided for use in the mixture and for coating.
How long should I sauté the onion?
Sauté the finely chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until it is tender and translucent.
How do I ensure the spinach isn't too watery?
After adding the drained spinach to the skillet, cook it for an additional 5 minutes until any excess liquid has evaporated.
What is the role of the chicken bouillon granules?
The 3 tablespoons of chicken bouillon granules are added to the boiling water to season the dumplings as they cook.
How much garlic salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of garlic salt.
How long should the mixture cool before adding the eggs?
Allow the spinach, ricotta, and flour mixture to cool for about 5 minutes before stirring in the beaten eggs.
How do I shape the oval dumplings?
Take tablespoonfuls of the mixture, drop them into a bowl of flour, and roll them lightly to coat and form an oval shape.
How much water is needed to boil the dumplings?
You will need 3 quarts of water brought to a rolling boil.
Should the dumplings be cooked all at once?
No, it is best to cook them in batches, adding about a third of them at a time to the simmering water.
How long do the dumplings need to simmer?
Simmer the dumplings uncovered for 8-10 minutes.
How can I tell if a dumpling is fully cooked?
A dumpling is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the best way to remove dumplings from the water?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the dumplings and transfer them to a serving platter.
What is the final topping for this dish?
Drizzle with 1/4 cup of melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Yes, these dumplings make for an excellent appetizer or a comforting main course.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
The dumplings contain vegetarian ingredients, but note that chicken bouillon is used in the boiling water; you may substitute with vegetable bouillon if desired.
How many packages of spinach are required?
The recipe requires 3 packages, each being 10 ounces.
What should the heat setting be for simmering?
After reaching a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer to cook the dumplings.
How much onion is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion.
What is the texture of the dumplings?
They have a soft, creamy texture thanks to the blend of ricotta and spinach.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to simmer the dumplings uncovered.
What cuisine style does this dish fall under?
It is categorized under Italian and European cuisine.
How much butter is used for the initial sautéing?
6 tablespoons of butter or margarine are used to sauté the onions.
How much Parmesan is inside the dough mixture?
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is incorporated directly into the dough mixture.
Can these be kept warm before serving?
Yes, as you finish cooking each batch, use a slotted spoon to move them to a platter to keep them warm.