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You need 2 cups of fresh spinach for this recipe. Make sure to wash it well. Finely chop the spinach before adding it to the mix. Fresh spinach adds a bright color and a mild taste. It also packs a punch of nutrients. This leafy green is rich in vitamins A and C. For a creamy filling, use 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Ricotta gives a lovely texture and flavor. You will also need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan adds a sharp taste that balances the dish. Together, these cheeses create a rich, cheesy filling that melts in your mouth. You will need a few simple seasonings. Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for a hint of spice. A pinch of nutmeg, about 1/4 teaspoon, gives a warm flavor. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. You will also need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking. Finally, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour to help form the dough. Add an egg to bind everything together. For serving, prepare 1 cup of marinara sauce. This sauce brings the whole dish together with its rich, tangy flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. I love using fresh spinach for its flavor and nutrition. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of finely chopped spinach. Next, mix in 1 cup of ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. For added flavor, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a fork to blend everything together until it is well combined. Once your filling looks good, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface. Turn your spinach mixture out onto the flour. Then, add 1 beaten egg to the bowl. Knead the dough gently until it becomes soft. If it feels sticky, add a bit more flour until it is manageable. This dough should be smooth, but not too dry. Now it’s time to shape the dumplings! Divide your dough into small portions. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 2-3 inches wide. Place a teaspoon of the spinach and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the dumpling over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal them. Make sure there are no air pockets inside. This step is key for keeping the filling in while cooking. You have a couple of great cooking options for dumplings. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Drop the dumplings in batches into the water. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the top. This means they are done! Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water. For extra flavor, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Gently sauté the boiled dumplings until they are lightly golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. This adds a nice texture. Serve them hot, drizzled with warm marinara sauce for a delicious finish. Enjoy your tasty spinach dumplings! To get the best dough, start with the right balance. Use one cup of all-purpose flour for every two cups of spinach. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour. It should feel soft but not wet. Knead gently to keep the dough light. This step is key for fluffy dumplings. Sealing the dumplings well is crucial. After placing the filling in the dough circle, fold it carefully. Pinch the edges tightly to keep the filling inside. Make sure no air pockets remain. If air gets trapped, the dumpling can burst while cooking. A good seal ensures tasty bites every time. When cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer before adding the dumplings. This helps them cook evenly. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. Look for them to float to the top. That’s when you know they’re ready. After boiling, sauté them in olive oil for a golden finish. Enjoy them hot with marinara sauce! Pro Tips Fresh Spinach is Key: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach can work, but it often contains excess water, which can make your dumplings soggy. Don't Overwork the Dough: Knead the dough just until it comes together. Over-kneading can lead to tough dumplings. Sealing the Dumplings: Ensure the edges of the dumplings are sealed tightly to prevent them from opening during cooking. Using a little water on your fingers can help with sealing. Perfect Cooking Time: Dumplings are done when they float to the top of the water. Cooking them longer can make them mushy, so keep an eye on them! {{image_2}} To make spinach and fetta dumplings, swap ricotta for feta cheese. Fetta adds a salty, tangy flavor. Use the same amount of feta as ricotta. Mix it with spinach and Parmesan. This change gives a unique taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. These dumplings will take you on a flavor trip! For a vegan version, skip the egg and cheese. Use silken tofu instead of ricotta. Blend it until smooth. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dumpling texture soft and creamy. Replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or simply leave it out. You can still enjoy the same great taste! Herbs and spices can elevate your dumplings. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Chop them finely and mix into the dough. You can also use a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Experiment with different spices, like cumin or coriander, to add depth. The possibilities are endless! You can store cooked spinach dumplings in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about three days. If you plan to eat them later, keep them separate from any sauce. This helps prevent sogginess. Freezing is a great option for spinach dumplings. After cooking, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date. Reheating spinach dumplings is simple. For best results, use the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dumplings on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil. Heat over medium heat, turning gently until warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make them soggy. You can use cottage cheese as a good substitute for ricotta. It has a similar texture but is less creamy. You can also try cream cheese, which adds richness. If you want a dairy-free option, use silken tofu. Blend it until smooth for the best results. Each substitute will change the flavor slightly, but they will all work well. Spinach dumplings can last in the fridge for about three days. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Make sure to cook them before freezing. They taste great even after freezing, but the texture may change slightly. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare it and wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to one day. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the dough. Just remember to thaw it completely before using. This makes it easier to roll and shape your dumplings. We explored making delicious spinach dumplings today. Fresh spinach, cheese, and the right seasonings create a tasty filling. I showed you how to mix, shape, and cook these dumplings step-by-step. We also discussed tips for smooth dough and sealing. You learned about tasty variations and how to store leftovers. With these great ideas, you can make dumplings that suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking, and remember to have fun experimenting!

Spinach Dumplings

Delicious dumplings filled with a mixture of spinach and cheeses, served with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 piece egg, beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Sprinkle the flour onto a clean surface and turn the spinach cheese mixture out onto it.
  • Add the beaten egg to the spinach mixture and knead gently until it forms a soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate more flour until manageable.
  • Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin circle, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
  • Place a teaspoon of the spinach and cheese filling in the center of each circle.
  • Carefully fold the dumpling over the filling to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal, ensuring there are no air pockets.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and carefully drop the dumplings in batches.
  • Cook the dumplings for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Gently sauté the dumplings until lightly golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve hot with warm marinara sauce drizzled over the top.

Notes

Ensure to seal the dumplings well to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
Keyword cheese, dumplings, Italian, spinach