Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

gnudi aka malfatti

Recipe by
Francine Lizotte
Surrey South, BC

This flavorful Gnudi aka Malfatti dish is so tasty! They are quick and easy delicious Italian dumplings, great to serve anytime.

yield 4 servings
prep time 15 Min
cook time 2 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For gnudi aka malfatti

  • 16 oz
    (450 g) ricotta cheese, drained
  • 1 pkg
    (10 oz./300 g) frozen spinach, drained and finely chopped
  • 2 lg
    cloves garlic, pressed
  • 1 c
    finely grated grana padano cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 lg
    free-run eggs, room temperature and beaten
  • 1 Tbsp
    chives, finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp
    lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp
    freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp
    ground himalayan sea salt, or to taste plus more for the pot
  • 1/2 tsp
    freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
  • 1/2 c
    unbleached all-purpose flour, or as needed
  • 1/2 c
    semolina, or as needed
  • 3 c
    marinara sauce, or as needed
  • 1 Tbsp
    flat-leaf italian parsley

How To Make gnudi aka malfatti

  • 1
    Sprinkle semolina evenly on a baking sheet; set aside
  • 2
    In a large bowl, add drained ricotta, spinach, garlic, cheese, eggs, chives, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt and pepper; mix until well blended.
  • 3
    Scoop up about 1 ½ tbsp. spinach mixture and form a ball before rolling it in the flour until well coated, shaking off any excess flour. Place it on the prepared baking sheet while rolling and coating the others (*see footnote).
  • 4
    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Working in batches, carefully add gnudi and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
  • 5
    Scoop them up with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a baking sheet.
  • 6
    Spoon some marinara sauce in each bowl and place 5 gnudi per bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and garnish with Italian parsley.
  • 7
    Footnote: From here, they can be frozen by placing them on a baking sheet and transfer to the freezer. When they're frozen, place them in a re-sealable plastic bag and return them to the freezer. When time to cook, directly plunge them in the boiling water - it will take a couple extra minutes to cook them.
  • 8
    To view this recipe on YouTube, click on this link >>>> https://youtu.be/OYsEpvejVbY
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