Vegan Malfatti offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring spinach and tofu ricotta dumplings bathed in a savory tomato sauce. These pillowy dumplings are flavored with herbs and served with grated vegan parmesan cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal.

OVERVIEW

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving

INGREDIENTS

For Vegan Malfatti:

• 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and finely chopped
• 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour, for dusting

For Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Vegan parmesan cheese, grated

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make Vegan Malfatti Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well combined and the mixture comes together into a dough-like consistency.
• Shape the mixture into small oval-shaped dumplings, about the size of a walnut, and place them on a floured surface.

2. Cook Vegan Malfatti:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer.
• Carefully drop the vegan malfatti into the simmering water, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the dumplings float to the surface.
• Remove the cooked malfatti with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate. Set aside.

3. Prepare Vegan Tomato Sauce:

• In a separate large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
• Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Serve Vegan Malfatti:

• Carefully transfer the cooked vegan malfatti to the skillet with the tomato sauce, gently stirring to coat the dumplings with the sauce.
• Allow the malfatti to simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Serve the Vegan Malfatti in Tomato Sauce hot, garnished with torn basil leaves and grated vegan parmesan cheese.