Malfatti
Argentine cuisine is a blend of European, indigenous and African traditions, and it is recognized for its delicacy, richness and diversity. From Argentina’s vast pampas, to the Andes Mountains, to the Patagonian landscape, each region brings its own unique flavors to the table. Given Argentina’s strong Italian influence, many signature dishes incorporate pasta in various forms. One such dish is Argentine Malfatti.
Argentine Malfatti is a classic dish consisting of delicate spinach and ricotta dumplings served with a tomato-based sauce. Malfatti, which translates to ‘badly made’ in Italian, is a dish with a storied history. While the origin of the dish is contested, it is believed to have originated in Lombardy, Northern Italy, with some saying it was a mistake in the kitchen that lead to the dish’s creation. In Argentine cuisine, the dish has been refined and adapted to local tastes.
Argentine Malfatti is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main course. The star ingredient is spinach, which is chopped and then combined with ricotta, eggs, flour and parmesan cheese, forming a smooth dough that can be shaped into bite-size dumplings. The dumplings are then boiled in salted water until they rise to the surface, indicating they are fully cooked. They are then tossed in a tomato-based sauce that complements the delicate flavors of the dumplings.
The unique thing about Argentine Malfatti is its versatility. While spinach is the traditional filling, many other ingredients can be added to the dough to make this dish more interesting. Chopped prosciutto, sautéed mushrooms, or even a little bit of smoked salmon can all be incorporated seamlessly into the filling, adding to the flavor and texture of the dish. Additionally, the sauce can be modified to taste; a simple tomato sauce with garlic and basil, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce can provide a different flavor profile.
Argentine Malfatti is a dish for all seasons. In winter, it is a hearty and warm meal that can provide comfort on cold days. In summer months when temperatures rise, the dish is still enjoyable as the spinach and tomato sauce are refreshing and light.
Beyond its delicious taste, Argentine Malfatti is also a healthy dish due to its ingredients. Spinach, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, is the hero of the dish. Ricotta, a traditional Italian cheese made from whey, is low in fat and has a creamy texture. Additionally, the dish is low in carbohydrates and gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions.
With its rich history and unique flavors, Argentine Malfatti is a dish that embodies the diversity and creativity of Argentine cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a starter or main course, it is sure to be a hit at any table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup semolina flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 cups homemade tomato sauce
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and then add the ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and mix until well blended.
- Then, mix in the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, and breadcrumbs until a smooth dough forms.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Use a spoon or a small ice cream scooper to form small, oval-shaped dumplings, referred to as malfatti.
- Drop the malfatti into the boiling water, making sure not to overcrowd the pot, and cook them for approximately 7-10 minutes or until they float to the surface of the water.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the malfatti from the water and drain them well.
- Warm the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Transfer the drained malfatti to serving plates and pour the warm tomato sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with some additional grated parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!