You can do everything for this meal in one pot! I used my Le Creuset Braising Pan.
During my travel from Tuscany to Rome this dish was on many menus and it did not come with pasta. This is a light and healthy recipe and it is Gluten Free. If you are looking for a paleo recipe version you would have to omit the ricotta cheese and perhaps add sausage, mushrooms or other ingredients and pulse in your food processor.
I recently made these yummy Stuffed Spinach and Ricotta for company upon our return and served as a primi. I was extremely pleased that everyone enjoyed them including one guest that admitted to not liking spinach but I believe enjoyed about 4 balls! That always makes me happy!
I hope you enjoy these as much as we did.
I love to do my shopping at D&D Market! I used store brands for ricotta and frozen spinach which made this meal affordable and delicious!
To saute your frozen spinach just add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your Le Creuset Braising Pan add in bag of frozen spinach and garlic. Cover and let simmer for about 7 minutes. Remove cover and drain. Using a clean paper towel squeeze excess water.
In a large bowl combine the cooled spinach, egg, ricotta, basil, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, parmesan, 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Combine together.
Shape into balls (1 heaping tablespoon of the mixture); roll each in flour and drop (about 5 at a time) into 3 quarts of boiling water.
Take your Le Creuset Braising Pan and fill 1/2 way with water and set over a high temperature. Once it boils add in fresh spinach leaves for 3 minutes (you may need to do this in batches). Remove and set on colander to drain then add to a plate lined with a clean white towel.
Take fresh spinach leaves and set on a clean work board. Add a teaspoon or more of ricotta and spinach mixture and fold over spinach. Continue until all balls are rolled.
Using the same pan over medium heat add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add in san marzano tomatoes, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, Italian seasonings and 2 cloves garlic. Bring to a simmer. Lover to low-medium. Add spinach balls into the sauce, cover for 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Note: These balls are simply amazing and be sure to grate some additional parmesan cheese on your spinach balls before serving! I love to use my Kitchen IQ grater !