Malfatti with Pancetta and Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients for Malfatti with Pancetta and Cherry Tomatoes

• 240ml plain flour, plus more

• 475ml whole-milk fresh ricotta, preferably box-drained

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 170g Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more

• 110g pancetta (Italian bacon), thinly sliced

• 45ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• 300g Sun Gold and/or cherry tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 lemon

• A sheet of cheesecloth

Dust a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet generously with flour; set aside. Place ricotta in the centre 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, 170g Parmesan, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a food processor to combine. Transfer to a large bowl; sift in 130g 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 45ml 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 180ml 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.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.