Description
Delicious low-carb zucchini roll-ups filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella mixture, baked in flavorful marinara sauce for a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini
- 2 large zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Zucchini Slices: Trim the ends of the zucchini and slice each lengthwise into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices. Sprinkle the slices lightly with salt and let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, pat the slices dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy filling for the roll-ups.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay out each zucchini slice and place a tablespoon or two of the ricotta mixture near one end. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the filling, then roll up the zucchini slices tightly. Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down in the baking dish for stability during baking.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the arranged zucchini rolls. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella and some extra grated Parmesan over the top. Drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil over the entire dish to add richness and help create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbly, and the edges of the zucchini rolls are golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the roll-ups rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Salting the zucchini slices is crucial to remove excess moisture, which prevents the roll-ups from becoming watery.
- You can substitute the marinara sauce with homemade or store-bought varieties based on your preference.
- For a low-fat version, use part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
- These roll-ups can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking for a convenient meal prep option.
- Fresh basil adds both color and a fresh herbal note, but you can garnish with parsley if preferred.
