The rolls of grilled zucchini and ricotta are a delicate dish that deserves a prime spot in your menu, whether for a family dinner or a reception among friends. This recipe combines the freshness of zucchinis, the creamy richness of the ricotta, as well as the subtle aromas of Provencal herbs and lemon juice to deliver a burst of flavors in every bite. The use of superior quality olive oil and the addition of pine nuts and coppa make each bite an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
The essential ingredients for successful roulades
Ingredients
- 3 firm and bright green zucchinis
- 250 g of fresh ricotta
- 2 tomatoes (optional for a touch of acidity)
- 1 bell pepper (optional for a sweet note)
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of Provence herbs
- Salt and pepper (according to your taste)
- 30 g of roasted pine nuts
- 50 g of finely chopped coppa
To succeed in making your grilled courgette and ricotta rolls, selecting fresh and quality ingredients is essential. The courgettes must be firm and bright green. The ricotta, on the other hand, must be fresh and creamy to provide the necessary softness to the dish. The tomatoes provide a touch of acidity while the peppers add a sweet note if you opt for a more colourful and vitamin-packed version.
The olive oil extra virgin will enhance the flavors while being beneficial for health thanks to its numerous antioxidants. The whole is garnished with herbs of Provence to add an irresistible Mediterranean aromatic dimension. Finally, the toasted pine nuts provide a crunchy and slightly woody note that wonderfully contrasts with the sweetness of the ricotta and the tender textures of the cooked vegetables.
[bzkshopping keyword=”pine nuts”]
[bzkshopping keyword=”ricotta”]
The preparation: step by step
The secret to succeeding in this recipe lies in a careful and methodical preparation. Start by thoroughly washing the zucchini before cutting them into thin slices lengthwise. These slices should then be brushed with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and baked to perfection. Overcooking could excessively soften the zucchini, so it is crucial to follow the cooking time.
Then prepare the filling made of 250 g of ricotta by mixing it with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, some salt, some pepper and 1 teaspoon of herbes de Provence. You can also incorporate 30 g of pine nuts into it for texture and an additional rich and salty taste. After letting the zucchini slices cool slightly, spread the ricotta mixture generously on them and roll them up carefully.
[bzkshopping keyword=”herbs of provence”]
Final Cooking and Presentation
Place the obtained rolls on an oven-safe dish. If you wish to add additional elements such as tomato slices or pieces of bell pepper, this is the ideal moment. Bake the rolls for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously and for the ricotta to become even more meltingly soft.
All that remains is to remove the grilled zucchini rolls from the oven and arrange them nicely on a serving platter. Optionally, add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of toasted pine nuts for the finishing touch. For those who enjoy neat presentations, adding basil or parsley leaves can visually enhance your dish.
Variations and customizations of the recipe
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its flexibility. You can easily adapt it according to your tastes and seasons. Replacing the ricotta with other types of Italian cheeses such as mascarpone or goat cheese also gives an exquisite result.
In terms of vegetables, the recipe is not set in stone. Beyond zucchini, you can experiment with eggplants or carrots to create variations as tasty as they are surprising. The spices can also be changed: try adding a little Espelette pepper for a spicy touch, or switch aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary to revisit the flavors.
[bzkshopping keyword=”espelette chili”]
Tips for Culinary Enhancement
If you are planning to prepare these courgette rolls for a special occasion, consider the visual harmony. Use colored plates that contrast with the green hues of the courgettes and the white of the ricotta. The golden pine nuts and any coppa slivers add interesting color notes that will captivate your guests’ eyes.
[bzkshopping keyword=”colored plates”]
Highlighting textures is also an art. Arrange the roulades on a bed of arugula or lamb’s lettuce to bring a touch of greenery and a light bitterness that counterbalances the creamy and soft side of the ricotta. You might also consider drizzling the whole thing with a balsamic reduction that will provide a subtle complementary acidity.
Tips and practical advice
Making these grilled zucchini and ricotta rolls can become even easier by following a few simple tips. For example, use a mandolin to get uniform and thin enough zucchini slices to facilitate rolling. You can also prepare the ricotta stuffing in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it, this step will save you a lot of time during the final assembly.
[bzkshopping keyword=”mandoline”]
(The text in this sentence is a specific HTML tag and don’t require translation. Hence, it remains the same in English.)For those looking for a lighter alternative, it is possible to grill the courgettes on a pan without using olive oil. Also, if you find the ricotta to be too runny, drain it a few hours beforehand by placing it in a cheesecloth or a fine strainer. This will make the filling firmer and easier to handle.
[bzkshopping keyword=”kitchen sieve”]