Spinach Ricotta Cheese Balls in Garlic Tomato Basil Sauce

Spinach Ricotta Balls in Garlic Tomato Basil Sauce

This recipe for Spinach Ricotta Balls in Tomato Basil Sauce is a delightful Continental dish, combining tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil with soft cheese balls that melt in your mouth. It’s a vegetarian main course, perfect for a wholesome meal.

Cuisine: Continental
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Spinach Ricotta Balls:

• 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese (or homemade paneer)
• 1/2 cup Cheese (any variety)
• 1/2 cup Spinach Leaves (Palak), finely chopped
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons Mixed Herbs (Dried)
• 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Flakes
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder (Jeera)
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons Corn Flour

For the Tomato Basil Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 8 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
• 2 sprigs Basil Leaves, roughly torn
• 2 cups Homemade Tomato Puree
• 1 teaspoon Mixed Herbs (Dried)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
• 1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spinach Ricotta Balls:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cheese, chopped spinach, finely chopped onion, mixed herbs, red chilli flakes, black pepper powder, cumin powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the corn flour and mix well to form a dough-like consistency.
   • Roll the mixture into small, round balls.

2. Cook the Spinach Ricotta Balls:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan and lightly fry the ricotta spinach balls until golden brown on all sides. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce:

   • In the same pan, heat extra virgin olive oil.
   • Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the torn basil leaves and cook for a minute.
   • Pour in the homemade tomato puree and mix well.
   • Add the dried mixed herbs, salt, sugar, black pepper powder, and red chilli powder.
   • Stir the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors combine.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Gently add the fried spinach ricotta balls into the tomato basil sauce.
   • Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Spinach Ricotta Balls in Tomato Basil Sauce!

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a rich and flavorful vegetarian meal.