Name: Caramelized Ricotta Dumplings with Sweet & Smoky Roasted Vegetables
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (drained if watery); 2/3 cup rolled oats; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp butter (for caramelizing dumplings); Fresh mint or basil, for garnish (optional)

Caramelized Ricotta Dumplings with Sweet & Smoky Roasted Vegetables

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High-protein, vegetarian, AND wildly craveable? Meet your new weeknight obsession. Ricotta dumplings—lightly sweet, faintly smoky, and rich—are pan-caramelized for that irresistible dessert-like edge, then paired with maple-roasted veggies that deliver color, sweetness, and a hint of char. Oats and parmesan quietly boost the protein and give body, while a whisper of vanilla and cinnamon nod to dessert without overwhelming the savory core. It’s a dish that feels like a reward but fuels you for anything. Perfect for when you want dinner to be both comfort and rocket fuel.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss mixed vegetables with olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread on baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast vegetables for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until caramelized at the edges and deeply golden.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, oats, parmesan, flour, honey, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until just combined. The mixture should be thick but scoopable. If too loose, add a bit more flour or oats.
Scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls of the ricotta mixture and gently roll into balls with damp hands. Place on a plate.
Heat a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high until very hot (almost smoking). Add butter and swirl to coat.
In batches, add dumplings and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and caramelized on all sides (about 5-7 minutes total). Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches for best caramelization.
Serve dumplings over the roasted vegetables. Scatter with fresh mint or basil if desired. Enjoy immediately for best texture.