MALFATTI WITH PANCETTA AND CHERRY TOMATOES

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Malfatti with Pancetta and Cherry Tomatoes image

Malfatti-literally "badly made"-are not as tricky to shape as you think. This sturdy gnocchi-esque dumpling dough is a breeze to work with.

Provided by Ignacio Mattos

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Pasta     Ricotta     Parmesan     Bacon     Tomato     Lemon

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more
2 cups whole-milk fresh ricotta, preferably box-drained
1 large egg, room temperature
6 oz. Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
4 oz. pancetta (Italian bacon), thinly sliced
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 cups Sun Gold and/or cherry tomatoes
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lemon
Special Equipment
A sheet of cheesecloth

Steps:

  • Dust a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet generously with flour; set aside. Place ricotta in the center of cheesecloth. Gather up the sides in your hands and wring out excess liquid. Transfer ricotta to a few sheets of paper towels and pat dry with more paper towels.
  • Pulse ricotta, egg, 6 oz. Parmesan, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt in a food processor to combine. Transfer to a large bowl; sift in 1 cup flour and mix until just barely combined (try not to overmix). Scrape ricotta mixture onto a floured surface and divide into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a 22x3/4" rope. Cut into 3/4" pieces and place dumplings on prepared baking sheet.
  • Combine pancetta and 3 Tbsp. oil in a cold large skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until pancetta is brown and crisp, 6-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl; reserve skillet.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a simmer (do not let it boil). Working in batches if needed, cook dumplings until they expand in size and float to the surface, about 3 minutes.
  • Ladle about 3/4 cup pasta cooking liquid into reserved skillet and add dumplings, tomatoes, and butter. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring gently (don't toss), until sauce thickens slightly and coats dumplings, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
  • Divide malfatti among bowls. Finely grate lemon zest over, drizzle with oil, and top with pancetta and Parmesan.

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