Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups

Here’s a delightful recipe for Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups:

Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups

Makes: 18 roll-ups

Ingredients:

For the Zucchini Roll Ups:

• 3-4 Large Zucchini
• Olive oil (for greasing and drizzling)
• Salt, to taste

For the Ricotta Filling:

• 250g/8.8oz Ricotta
• 100g/3.5oz Shredded Mozzarella, plus extra for topping
• 2 Tbls Parmesan Cheese, plus extra for topping
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 2 Tbls Chopped Fresh Basil
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 400g/14oz Tin Whole Tomatoes
• 200g/7oz Tin Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1/2 Tsp Oregano
• 1/2 Tsp Basil
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1 Tsp Sugar
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Method:

For the Tomato Sauce:

1. Crush the whole tomatoes in a bowl with your hands or a fork.
2. In a saucepan, fry the onions in a little olive oil until softened, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

For the Zucchini Roll Ups:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
2. Slice the zucchini lengthwise about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Lay the zucchini slices on a greased baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the slices are soft and tender. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, chopped basil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to make the filling.
6. Take each zucchini slice, spread a thin layer of the ricotta filling, and roll them up.

Assembly:

1. Spread half of the prepared tomato sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish.
2. Arrange the zucchini roll ups in the dish.
3. Spoon 2 teaspoons of sauce over each zucchini roll up.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Add freshly ground pepper for seasoning.
6. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden on top.

Serve your Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups hot and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Achieving the perfect Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups requires attention to detail and a few secrets to ensure each bite is flavorful and satisfying. Here are some tips to help you achieve culinary perfection:

1. Select Fresh Zucchini: Choose zucchini that is firm, glossy, and free of blemishes. Fresh zucchini will have a sweeter flavor and better texture, enhancing the overall taste of your roll-ups.
2. Uniform Slicing: Slice the zucchini evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to create uniform slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and prevents the roll-ups from becoming soggy or unevenly cooked.
3. Pre-Bake Zucchini: Pre-baking the zucchini slices before rolling them up helps to remove excess moisture and ensures they are tender yet firm. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt before baking in a preheated oven until softened.
4. Optimal Filling Ratio: Aim for the perfect ratio of filling to zucchini. Spread a thin, even layer of ricotta filling onto each zucchini slice, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overfilling. This ensures that each roll-up is flavorful without being overwhelmed by the filling.
5. Season the Filling: Season the ricotta filling generously with salt, pepper, and other herbs or spices to enhance its flavor. Consider adding garlic powder, fresh basil, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.
6. Roll Tightly: Roll the zucchini slices tightly around the ricotta filling to create neat, compact roll-ups. Press gently as you roll to ensure the filling is evenly distributed throughout each roll-up.
7. Arrange Seam-Side Down: Place the rolled zucchini seam-side down in the baking dish to prevent them from unraveling during baking. This helps to maintain the shape of the roll-ups and ensures they hold together beautifully when served.
8. Sauce Distribution: Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce over the assembled roll-ups, ensuring each one is evenly coated. This adds moisture and flavor to the dish while preventing the zucchini from drying out during baking.
9. Cheese Topping: Top the roll-ups with a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds richness and flavor to the dish.
10. Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled roll-ups in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking, as zucchini can become mushy if baked for too long.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups that are sure to impress your family and friends!