Perfect light dinner for spring evenings: Zucchini rolls

Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables due to its versatile flavor, which allows for numerous delicious culinary experiments. Among the dishes I adore for a light and appetizing dinner are delightful zucchini rolls filled with cheese. They instantly become the center of attention on the dinner table.

As the sun brightens our days and the thermometer hints at the arrival of warmer weather, my kitchen undergoes a slight transformation. The dinner menu shifts towards lighter fare, often excluding meat. A dish that my family especially loves is savory zucchini rolls baked in a rich tomato sauce.

Making zucchini rolls is remarkably straightforward, requiring only a handful of ingredients. The filling options are vast—from feta cheese with fresh mint to cream cheese coupled with spinach to mozzarella—giving you endless possibilities. For those who prefer meat in their meals, a ground meat filling is also an option.

The zucchini rolls can be prepared in various ways: baked in the oven, fried in a pan, or even grilled. I prefer baking them smothered in tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis,
• 8.8 oz of ricotta cheese,
• 2-3 tablespoons of dried tomatoes,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• 2-3 tablespoons of cream or natural yogurt,
• salt and pepper for seasoning.

For the sauce:

• 1 onion,
• 2 tablespoons of oil,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes,
• salt, pepper to taste,
• a hint of basil.

How to prepare:

1. Rinse and pat the zucchini dry carefully.
2. Slice them lengthwise into slim strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the ricotta in a bowl, crumbling it with a fork. Mix in the cream or yogurt until well combined.
4. Add the finely chopped dried tomatoes and minced garlic—season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Start the sauce by finely chopping the onion and gently frying it in hot oil. Shortly after, incorporate the minced garlic.
6. Once the vegetables soften and become slightly translucent, add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Flavor the sauce with salt, pepper, and basil.
8. Apply the filling evenly across each zucchini slice.
9. Roll them up tightly.
10. Oil a baking dish and spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on its bottom.
11. Place the zucchini rolls in the dish and cover them with the remaining sauce.
12. Bake in an oven pre-set to 392 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

Once done, the rolls are ready to be enjoyed. Bon appétit!