Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups (Rollantini)

These Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups, also known as Rollantini, offer a delightful twist on traditional Italian flavors, combining the freshness of zucchini with the creamy richness of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Each roll-up is packed with savory goodness, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.

Paired with a homemade tomato sauce that’s bursting with aromatic garlic, onions, and fragrant herbs, these roll-ups are sure to impress. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, these zucchini roll-ups are bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How to make Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups (Rollantini)

Ingredients – serves18 roll-ups

Main:

3-4 large zucchini

250g/8.8oz ricotta

100g/3.5oz mozzarella (shredded plus extra for on top)

2 tbsp parmesan cheese (parmesan cheese)

½ tsp garlic powder

2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Pinch nutmeg

1 egg

Tomato sauce:

400g/14oz tin whole tomatoes

200g/7oz tin diced tomatoes

1 small onion (finely chopped)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

½ tsp oregano

½ tsp basil

Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

1tsp sugar

Salt & pepper

Instructions:

Preparation:

Crush the whole tomatoes in a bowl with your hands or a fork.

Fry the onions in a little olive oil until it starts to soften then add the garlic and saute for about 1 minute.

Add the rest of ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Zucchini Roll-Ups:

Preheat oven to 200C/400F.

Slice the zucchini lengthwise about ¼ inch thick.

Lay the zucchini on a greased baking sheet with olive oil.

Drizzle a little olive oil over the zucchini and season with salt.

Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until they are soft and tender.

Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

In the meantime prepare the filling – 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. Lay the zucchini next to each other.

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Place 2 teaspoons of sauce over each zucchini. Top with shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper.

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden on top.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Preparation: The recipe begins with the preparation of a homemade tomato sauce, where whole and diced tomatoes are combined with aromatic ingredients such as onion, garlic, and a blend of herbs. This sauce simmers for 30 minutes to develop rich flavors and a thick consistency.

Zucchini Roll-Ups: The zucchini is sliced lengthwise and baked until tender. While the zucchini cools, a creamy ricotta filling is prepared with mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, basil, nutmeg, and egg. Each zucchini slice is then spread with this flavorful ricotta mixture, rolled up, and placed in a casserole dish.

Assembly: Half of the prepared tomato sauce is spread on the bottom of the casserole dish. The zucchini roll-ups are arranged snugly on top of the sauce. Additional sauce is spooned over the roll-ups, followed by a generous topping of shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and freshly ground pepper.

Baking: The assembled dish is baked uncovered until the cheese is melted and golden brown, creating a delightful crust on top of the roll-ups. Once baked to perfection, the zucchini ricotta roll-ups are ready to be served and enjoyed as a delicious and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 18 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Alternatively, you can prepare the tomato sauce and filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking.

Can I freeze these roll-ups?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled roll-ups before baking.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or fontina to customize the flavor of the roll-ups according to your preference.

Can I skip the nutmeg in the filling?

Yes, you can omit the nutmeg if you prefer, but it adds a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

How do I adjust the seasoning of the tomato sauce?

Taste the tomato sauce before assembling the roll-ups and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.

Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce if you prefer.

However, making the sauce from scratch allows you to customize the flavor and control the ingredients.

Can I substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil and oregano for fresh herbs, but use them in smaller quantities as they are more concentrated in flavor.

How many roll-ups should I serve per person?

As a side dish, plan for 2-3 roll-ups per person.

If serving as a main course, you may want to serve 4-5 roll-ups per person.

Can I add meat to the filling?

Yes, you can add cooked ground meat such as sausage, beef, or turkey to the ricotta filling for added protein and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can omit the egg and cheese from the filling to make it vegan.

For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based cheese alternatives.