Description
This delectable recipe encapsulates the essence of summer with its vibrant ingredients and bright flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (300 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (225 g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (2 g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (5 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (150 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1 g)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves or microgreens for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to create the perfect environment for slow-roasting the tomatoes. In a medium bowl, gently toss the cherry tomatoes with one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well-coated. Spread the tomatoes evenly on a lined baking sheet. Roasting will concentrate their flavor and soften their texture, taking about 25 to 30 minutes. You want them to become tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the zucchini strips. Using a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler, carefully slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips. This technique allows for easy rolling and filling once grilled. Brush each zucchini slice lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and grill each zucchini slice for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they become tender. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking, as you want them pliable for rolling.
- While the zucchini is grilling, prepare the lemon-basil ricotta mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, one tablespoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of lemon zest, and two tablespoons of freshly chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture will serve as a delightful filling for your zucchini rollups, and the lemon and basil add a refreshing twist that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Now the fun part begins! Take a grilled zucchini strip and spoon a dollop of the ricotta mixture at one end. Add a few roasted tomatoes on top of the ricotta, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors. Carefully roll the zucchini strip up tightly around the filling. Place seam-side down on a serving platter and repeat with the remaining zucchini and filling. The presentation is key—arranging the rollups neatly will make them even more appealing to your guests!
- Once all the rollups are assembled, you can garnish them with fresh basil leaves or microgreens for an added touch of color and flavor. These rollups can be served immediately while warm or set aside to cool and enjoy at room temperature. The flavor of the ingredients will develop further if allowed to rest for a bit, making this dish great for meal prep or potlucks.
Notes
Ensure your zucchini slices are thin enough to roll easily, but not so thin that they fall apart on the grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Protein: 8 g