Swiss Chard and Ricotta Dumplings

Photo Credit: David Edgecomb

Adapted from The Farmers Market Cookbook By Julia Shanks and Brett Grohsgal

Ingredients

• 1 lb Swiss chard, leaves and stems, to make 1 ⅓ cups squeezed cooked greens

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 cup ricotta (drained in a sieve if watery)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup flour

• 1 lemon, zested

• Pinch of nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup melted butter

• ½ cup tomato sauce or chopped fresh tomatoes

• ¼ cup grated parmesan

• Optional: pine nuts and raisins

Instructions

Wash greens separate from stems. Lift the greens from the water and drain them in a colander. Drain stems.

Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add olive oil, chard stems, and garlic. When garlic becomes fragrant, add greens. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until bright green and wilted. Remove the greens and place them in a colander. Let cool.

Divide the greens in three parts and squeeze to remove all excess water. Reserve the liquid to add to the sauce.

Coarsely chop the greens with a knife and then put into a food processor. Add the ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, 1 tsp salt, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Process to form a smooth paste. Fold in flour.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt. Transfer the paste to a pastry bag with a large tip or a medium sized plastic bag with a ½ inch corner cut off. Pipe out ½- inch dumplings. Alternatively, use two spoons to form a dumplings and drop into the water.

Poach 8-9 dumplings at a time, for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large baking dish.

Preheat the oven to 400. Drizzle the dumplings with melted butter, or tomato sauce and sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and cheese has melted.

Serve and enjoy!