MAULTASCHEN (GERMAN MEAT-FILLED PASTA DUMPLINGS)

Steps:

• If using fresh spinach, bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Drop in the spinach and blanch for 1-2 minutes. Drain in a colander and squeeze as much liquid out as possible.
• If using frozen spinach, simply thaw and squeeze out the liquid in a colander.
• Chop finely.
• Heat the butter or oil in a sauté pan and sauté the onions over medium heat till translucent.
• Add the ground beef and sauté till just cooked through.
• Drain excess oil and allow to cool.
• Mix the spinach and ground beef mixture together in a bowl.
• Drain the bread and squeeze dry.
• Crumble in the bread, mix well, and season to taste with nutmeg and salt and pepper.
• Add 3-4 eggs and mix or knead to form a paste.
• Add 1-2 tsps of the stuffing to each wonton wrapper, moisten the edges with a little of the egg-water mixture, and fold in half.
• Press down on edges to seal.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes in rapidly boiling, salted water.
• Drain and serve with a little beef or chicken broth, in soups, or topped with bread crumbs toasted in melted butter.
• VARIATIONS:.
• Use different types of bread for different flavors: rye, whole wheat, or stale rolls.
• Substitute ground chicken or lamb for the ground beef. A.
• Add a little minced ham or sausages for extra flavor.
• Kräutermaultaschen (Herb maultaschen): substitute 1 bunch minced parsley and 1 bunch minced chives or scallions for half the spinach.