Description
Zucchini Rollatini is a delicious and healthy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender grilled zucchini slices rolled around a flavorful ricotta and Pecorino Romano cheese mixture. Topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, it’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini and Seasoning
- 2 large zucchini (14 oz each), cut lengthwise into 12 (1/4-inch thick) slices
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup quick marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup part skim ricotta cheese (Polly-O recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Topping
- 3/4 cup (3 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese (Polly-O recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread 1/4 cup of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Prepare Zucchini: Cut the zucchini lengthwise into twelve 1/4-inch thick slices. Using a mandolin slicer makes this easier and ensures uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Season and Grill Zucchini: Season both sides of each zucchini slice with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat a grill pan over high heat and grill the zucchini slices for about 2 minutes per side until grill marks appear and the slices become pliable but not fully cooked.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the ricotta cheese, grated Pecorino Romano, chopped basil, minced garlic, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Assemble Rollatini: Spread approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly on each zucchini slice, covering the surface. Then, carefully roll up each slice and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each rolled zucchini and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese to add flavor and meltiness.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is hot, melted, and bubbly.
Notes
- Using a mandolin helps to achieve uniform zucchini slices that cook evenly.
- Grilling zucchini before baking helps to reduce moisture and adds a smoky flavor.
- You can substitute the quick marinara sauce with homemade marinara for a fresher taste.
- Tight rolling of the zucchini slices prevents them from unraveling during baking.
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil to retain moisture while baking.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rollatini
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
