Description
Silky grilled zucchini rollups showcase lemon-basil ricotta and slow roasted tomatoes in this elegant Italian-inspired appetizer. Guests will savor Mediterranean flavors that sing with fresh, harmonious ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchini (sliced thinly lengthwise)
- 24 fresh basil leaves
- 24 slow roasted tomato halves
- 1.5 cups (360 ml) ricotta cheese
- 0.25 cups (60 ml) Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), grated
- 2 tsps lemon zest
- 2 tbsps fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for grilling)
Instructions
- Preparation: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice zucchini into thin, uniform lengthwise strips to ensure consistent grilling and elegant presentation.
- Grilling: Brush zucchini strips with olive oil and season with salt, then grill on a preheated surface until golden-brown with delicate char marks, creating a smoky foundation for the rollups.
- Ricotta Filling: Whisk ricotta with Parmesan, lemon zest, chopped basil, salt, and pepper to craft a vibrant, herb-infused mixture that will serve as the creamy interior of the rollups.
- Assembly: Spread the herbed ricotta evenly across each grilled zucchini strip, covering the entire surface with a smooth, consistent layer of the fragrant mixture.
- Rollup Formation: Place a basil leaf and roasted tomato half at one end of each zucchini strip, then carefully roll from the tomato end to create tight, elegant spirals that showcase the layered ingredients.
- Finishing: Arrange the completed rollups on a serving platter, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Notes
- Slice with Precision: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin zucchini strips for even grilling and elegant presentation.
- Grill for Perfection: Achieve golden grill marks by cooking zucchini on a preheated grill, turning once to develop a delicate char without overcooking.
- Balance Ricotta Flavors: Whisk ricotta with Parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh basil to create a vibrant, zesty filling that complements the grilled zucchini.
- Assemble with Care: Roll zucchini tightly from the tomato end, ensuring a compact spiral that showcases the beautiful layers of roasted tomato, basil, and herbed ricotta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg