This is a labor intensive one, but a fancy side or appetizer for guests (if you want to impress of course)!
- INGREDIENTS:
-
- 4 medium uncooked zucchini
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 clove(s) garlic clove(s), smashed
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus extra for salting water
- 1 cup(s) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup(s) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 2 1/2 oz basil, 1 bunch finely chopped
- 1/2 medium uncooked onion(s), diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic clove(s), finely chopped
- 3 large fresh tomatoes diced
- arugula, baby variety, to lay on bottom of tray
DIRECTIONS:
-
- Slice off one side of each zucchini to expose a long, wide, flat area; reserve removed pieces.
- Using a mandolin (we used OXO stainless steel mandolin), cut zucchini into 1/8-inch-thick slices.
- Dice reserved zucchini. (You only need 1 c diced zucchini for the filling)
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil.
- Meanwhile, coat a large saute pan with oil; toss in 2 smashed garlic cloves and crushed red pepper for the filling. Bring pan to medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is golden and very aromatic, 1-2 minutes; remove and discard garlic. Add 1 c diced zucchini and season with salt; cook, stirring often, until zucchini begins to soften, 3-4 minutes. Transfer zucchini to a medium mixing bowl; let cool.
- Working in batches, boil zucchini slices until they begin to soften, about 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to remove slices from pot; lay them out on a baking sheet (or two) to cool.
- When diced zucchini mixture is cool, stir in ricotta, Parmesan and half of basil; season to taste.
- Pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels; lay them on a work surface. Spoon 1 ½ Tbsp ricotta mixture on the end of each zucchini slice; carefully roll up zucchini and return to baking sheet(s).
- To make sauce, coat a large saute pan with oil and toss in onion; season with 1/2 tsp salt and crushed red pepper. Heat to medium; cook, stirring often, until soft and aromatic, 6-8 minutes. Toss in chopped garlic; cook, stirring frequently, 1-2 minutes more. Stir in tomatoes and remaining 1/2 tsp salt; cook for 8- 10 minutes more. Toss in remaining basil; set sauce aside.
- Just before you add tomatoes to pan for sauce, put zucchini rolls in oven; bake 10 minutes to warm through.
- Serve zucchini rolls over a bed of arugula, topped with tomato sauce; garnish with basil (optional).
- Serving size: 2 rolls plus 2 1/2 Tbsp sauce
Side Note: for our Weight Watchers readers these are 3 Points if you use skim ricotta 😉
Source: Weight Watchers Magazine