Savor the flavors of Italian cuisine with these delightful Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups, a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and rich taste that makes for a delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly dish. This recipe transforms simple zucchini slices into elegant rolls filled with a flavorful ricotta mixture, creating a satisfying and low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna.
The culinary journey begins with the preparation of a vibrant tomato sauce, where whole and diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a medley of herbs come together to simmer into a robust and flavorful sauce. This homemade tomato sauce adds a touch of freshness and depth to the dish, complementing the zucchini and ricotta filling perfectly.
For the zucchini roll-ups, large zucchini slices are lightly baked until tender, providing a flexible and healthy substitute for traditional lasagna noodles. The ricotta filling, a combination of fat-free ricotta, part-skim mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of seasonings, adds a creamy and savory element to each roll-up. The inclusion of fresh basil and a pinch of nutmeg elevates the flavors, making each bite a culinary delight.
Assembling the roll-ups is a simple yet satisfying process. The zucchini slices are generously spread with the ricotta mixture, rolled up, and placed in a casserole dish over a bed of tomato sauce. The rolls are then topped with additional sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a golden and bubbly crust during the baking process.
Baked to perfection, these Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups emerge from the oven with a tantalizing aroma, showcasing the melding of flavors and textures. The result is a visually appealing dish that’s both satisfying and guilt-free, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a comforting Italian-inspired meal without compromising on their wellness goals.
Whether you’re following a Weight Watchers plan or simply seeking a delicious and health-conscious dish, these Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups offer a delightful culinary experience that proves that healthy eating can be both flavorful and enjoyable. Enjoy each bite as a wholesome and satisfying alternative to traditional lasagna, and let the vibrant flavors transport you to the heart of Italian cuisine.
Zucchini Ricotta Roll Ups
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Makes: 18 roll-ups
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients:
Zucchini Roll-Ups:
- 3-4 Large Zucchini
- For Ricotta Filling:
- 250g/8.8oz Fat-Free Ricotta
- 100g/3.5oz Part-Skim Mozzarella, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 2 Tbls Parmesan Cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 Tbls Chopped Fresh Basil
- Pinch of Nutmeg
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce:
- 400g/14oz Tin Whole Tomatoes, crushed
- 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
Instructions:
- Tomato Sauce:
- Crush the whole tomatoes in a bowl with your hands or a fork.
- In a non-stick pan, sauté onions in a little olive oil until softened, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Add the remaining tomato sauce ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups:
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Slice the zucchini lengthwise about 1/4 inch thick.
- Lay the zucchini on a greased baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and season with salt.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until soft and tender. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a bowl, mix all the ricotta filling ingredients together.
- Take each zucchini slice, spread a thin layer of the ricotta filling, and roll them up.
- Spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Place the zucchini rolls next to each other. Top each with 2 teaspoons of sauce. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and freshly ground pepper.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden on top.
Enjoy these delicious and Weight W-friendly Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups as a satisfying and flavorful dish!