Handmade Italian Spinach and Cheese Dumplings with Tomato Sauce - Yummy Gusto

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 onion, chopped super fine
• 800g smashed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp concentrated tomato
• 120ml tap water
• 1 stem of basil (save leaves for the dumplings)
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp cooking salt
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 300g fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp table salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 big shallot, finely diced (substitute with 1/2 red onion if needed)
• 500g solid ricotta (get the firm kind, not creamy spread)
• 1/4 cup loosely packed sliced basil leaves
• 1 egg
• 1 yolk from an egg
• 100g grated parmesan cheese
• 60g plain flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh baby basil for garnish