Malfatti

Malfatti, or “badly made” in Italian, are delightfully soft, pillowy dumplings made from a combination of ricotta cheese, spinach, and flour. While the name may suggest they’re a bit messy or imperfect, trust me, these little bites are far from it. They are absolutely delicious, with a delicate texture that melts in your mouth, and they’re smothered in a rich butter and sage sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Malfatti will add a touch of rustic Italian charm to your table. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! Grab your ingredients and get ready to make something that will have your taste buds singing.

Why You’ll Love Malfatti

There’s a lot to love about these fluffy dumplings:

Comforting & Cozy: Malfatti are the ultimate comfort food. Soft ricotta, fresh spinach, and a rich butter sauce come together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Quick & Easy: The recipe is simpler than you might think, with just a few ingredients to bring it all together. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make these!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as a starter, a main dish, or as part of an Italian-inspired feast. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, Malfatti will impress everyone at the table.

Versatile: You can switch up the sauce to your liking. If butter and sage aren’t your thing, try a tomato sauce, pesto, or even a creamy Alfredo.

Crowd-Pleasing: These fluffy little dumplings are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve them up, and watch them disappear!

Ingredients in Malfatti

Here’s what you need to make this delicious dish:

Ricotta Cheese

The base of these dumplings! Fresh ricotta provides a creamy, soft texture that makes Malfatti so melt-in-your-mouth good.

Spinach

Fresh spinach is sautéed and chopped, adding a burst of flavor and a lovely green color to these dumplings.

Flour

Flour helps bind the ricotta and spinach together, giving the Malfatti structure while keeping them light and delicate.

Parmesan Cheese

For a bit of richness and umami flavor, grated Parmesan adds the perfect touch of savoriness to these dumplings.

Egg

Eggs help hold the mixture together and provide a bit of structure to keep the Malfatti from falling apart.

Nutmeg

A hint of nutmeg brings a warm, earthy flavor that complements the ricotta and spinach perfectly.

Salt & Pepper

For seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the ricotta and spinach.

Butter & Sage (For Sauce)

The classic Malfatti sauce is made with butter and fresh sage, which add a lovely depth of flavor and richness.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this delightful dish:

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add flour a little at a time until the mixture is just thick enough to hold together. You want it to be a bit sticky, but not too wet.

Shape the Malfatti

Using your hands, gently form small dumplings from the mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Don’t worry if they’re a little uneven or “badly made”—that’s part of the charm!

Cook the Malfatti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the dumplings into the water, cooking them in batches. Once they float to the surface, let them cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

While the Malfatti are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter is browned and fragrant.

Coat the Malfatti

Once the butter is ready, carefully add the cooked Malfatti to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sage-infused butter. Let them simmer for a minute or two to soak up all that delicious flavor.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve the Malfatti hot, drizzled with the butter and sage sauce. You can garnish with extra Parmesan if you like. Enjoy every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Malfatti

These Malfatti make the perfect main dish or a flavorful side. Here are some great ideas for pairing them:

With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the Malfatti beautifully.

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up any extra butter and sage sauce. It’s an indulgent touch that will make the meal feel even more special.

Grilled Chicken or Steak: Malfatti pairs wonderfully with grilled meats for a hearty, satisfying meal.

As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as a starter for an Italian-inspired dinner party. It’s a great way to begin any meal!

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead: You can make the Malfatti dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

Freeze for Later: These dumplings freeze beautifully! Simply freeze them before cooking, then boil them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat.

Butter Alternatives: If you want a lighter sauce, you can substitute the butter for olive oil or a combination of olive oil and a little vegetable broth.

Herb Variations: Feel free to add other herbs to the butter sauce, like thyme or rosemary, for a twist on the traditional sage.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.

Q2: Can I make these in advance?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the Malfatti and freeze them before boiling. When you’re ready, just cook them from frozen.

Q3: Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?
A3: Ricotta is key to the soft texture of these dumplings, but you can try cottage cheese or mascarpone as alternatives. The flavor will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q4: Can I use a different herb in the butter sauce?
A4: Yes! While sage is traditional, thyme or rosemary would be excellent in the sauce. Choose whatever fresh herbs you love.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover Malfatti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Q6: Can I make this without the egg?
A6: You can try making a vegan version by replacing the egg with a flaxseed egg or a similar binding ingredient, but the texture might be slightly different.

Q7: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A7: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour in place of regular flour. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still work well.

Q8: What if I don’t have fresh sage?
A8: You can use dried sage in the butter sauce, but start with a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you can try basil or oregano for a different flavor.

Q9: Can I use store-bought ricotta?
A9: Yes, store-bought ricotta works just fine. For the best results, opt for fresh ricotta if possible!

Q10: What can I serve with Malfatti?
A10: Malfatti pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. It’s also perfect with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top!

Conclusion

Malfatti are a comforting, delightful dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a simple and satisfying way. With their soft, pillowy texture and rich butter-sage sauce, they are a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these Malfatti will steal the show and leave everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy!

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