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Ravioli Gnudi

A timeless Italian dish featuring tender ricotta and spinach dumplings, often referred to as ‘naked ravioli’.

  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: 12 appetizer servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 (16-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) full-fat ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • Optional: Zest of 1 lemon
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add drained spinach and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to remove excess moisture. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, flour, Parmesan, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and thyme. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture until well incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 1 day) to firm up.
  3. Sprinkle flour onto a clean work surface. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of the ricotta mixture, roll them in your hands to form small balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the dumplings until solid (at least 1 hour).
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop the frozen gnudi into the water and cook until they float to the top (about 3-5 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and serve immediately.
  5. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve as is, or pair with your favorite marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

These dumplings can be frozen for up to 3 months and are perfect for make-ahead cooking.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: ravioli, gnudi, Italian, ricotta, spinach