Spinach and cheese dumplings – Spinat-Käse-Knödel

Atsuko

July 31, 2023

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Atsuko

Founder of @Umami Sans Frontières

When you think of Knödel, you might imagine the classic potato dumplings. But here’s a surprising twist—a delightful combination of spinach, ricotta cheese, and bread. This version brings a fresh take on a beloved tradition, offering a lighter, refreshing flavor profile that pairs beautifully with a garlicky lemon butter sauce. You’ll love the chewy texture—it’s simply addictive!

Expense

💵

Preparation

50 mins

Baking time

Rest time

Ingredients

Cooking time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

For 4 people

400g of Frozen spinach (or fresh spinach)
250g of Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
300g of Bread or bread roll
60g of Shredded cheese of your choice (half for the dumplings, half for the sauce)
1 egg
40g of Flour
A pinch of nutmeg
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
70g of Butter
1–2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice

How to make it:

1/ Prepare the spinach:

If using fresh spinach: Wash, drain, and chop into small pieces.
If using frozen spinach: No need to thaw—simply add the frozen spinach directly to the frying pan. This saves time compared to using fresh spinach.😊

2/ Cook the spinach:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan. Add the spinach and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then let it cool.

3/ Cut the bread into cubes.

4/ Mix the dumpling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta cheese, bread cubes, half of the shredded cheese, egg, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

5/Prepare the pot: Fill a large pot with plenty of water, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and bring to a boil.
6/ Shape the dumplings: While the water is heating, shape the mixture into balls, about the size of a golf ball.

7/ Cook the dumplings: Once the water is boiling, carefully add the dumplings. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10–15 minutes. The dumplings are ready when they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

8/ Make the butter sauce: In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice and mix well.

9/ Serve: Arrange the dumplings on a plate. Drizzle them with the butter sauce and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!