Spinach and Ricotta Balls

brought by Rachel Durazzani

Ingredients for the Spinach and Ricotta Balls:

2 cups of ricotta
-since the ricotta in Italy is dryer, I would recommend using a cheese cloth to drain to get the right consistency for the balls
12 oz frozen spinach
3 eggs
3 tsp of butter
Salt (to taste - I used Kosher)
2 cloves of garlic, finally minced
1 tsp nutmeg
Parmesan - add to get the right consistency

Directions:

Boil spinach in very little water for about 10 minutes. Drain & let cool. When cool, form 2 or 3 balls and squeeze to drain juice and then chop (I actually used chopped spinach). In a saucepan cook the spinach with minced garlic, nutmeg and butter, for about five minutes. In a bowl mix ricotta, cooked spinach, eggs and Parmesan cheese. Add some more cheese, or a bit more of ricotta, to get the right consistency. Roll the balls on a flour surfaced or in your floured hands. Boil salted water...less salt than you use for boiling pasta because the balls are already pretty salty. Carefully place balls (1 by 1) into the boiling water, about 10-12 at a time. When they are done, they will rise to the top - mine did so in about 15 - 20 seconds. Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon to allow draining and place them on the platter with sauce. Top with more sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Sauce

7-8 leaves of fresh basil
3 cloves of garlic, finally minced
3 large cans of whole tomatoes
3 T olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Cook all ingredients in a large saucepan for about 10 minutes at medium heat. Stir every few minutes. Take it off the burner and pour a few cups of sauce onto your serving platter.