Malfatti - Traditional Italian Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 onion, very finely diced
• 800g crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 120ml water
• 1 basil stem (reserve leaves for Malfatti)
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 300g baby spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large eschallot, finely chopped (or 1/2 red onion)
• 500g firm ricotta (dry type, not wet and spreadable)
• 1/4 cup lightly packed basil leaves, finely sliced
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 100g finely grated parmesan
• 60g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan
• Small basil leaves