Tired of the same old zucchini recipes that leave you with soggy, flavorless dishes? You’re not alone. These Irresistible Rollups de Courgettes with Zesty Ricotta will transform the humble zucchini into an elegant, flavorful dish that will impress even your most discerning dinner guests.
Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! Growing up in a Mediterranean household, I watched my grandmother transform simple vegetables into culinary masterpieces. These zucchini rollups are inspired by those childhood memories elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. After perfecting this recipe through countless tests in my kitchen, I’m thrilled to share this family favorite that brings people together around the table.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the perfect zucchini, prepare a zesty ricotta filling that bursts with flavor, master the rolling technique, and present a dish that looks as amazing as it tastes. Let’s create something delicious together!
Why These Rollups de Courgettes with Zesty Ricotta Work
- Uses affordable, seasonal zucchini available year-round
- Prep can be done ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
- Versatile as an appetizer, side dish, or main course
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free without sacrificing flavor
- The zesty ricotta filling keeps the zucchini moist and flavorful
Choosing the Right Courgettes for Perfect Rollups
Best Courgettes for This Recipe
For the perfect rollups de courgettes, look for medium-sized zucchini that are straight and uniform in shape. These will be easier to slice evenly and roll without breaking. Young, smaller zucchini (6-8 inches) contain less water and seeds, resulting in rollups that maintain their shape and don’t become soggy.
Buying Tips
When shopping for zucchini, look for ones with vibrant, unblemished skin. The courgette should feel firm and heavy for its size, indicating freshness. Avoid zucchini that feel soft or have wrinkled skin, as these are past their prime. During summer months, farmers’ markets often offer the freshest options with varieties you might not find in supermarkets.
Substitutions
If you can’t find traditional green zucchini, yellow summer squash works beautifully in this rollups de courgettes recipe. For a colorful presentation, try using a mix of green zucchini and yellow squash. You can also experiment with patty pan squash (sliced differently) or even eggplant (though it requires pre-salting to remove bitterness).
Ingredients & Prep for Rollups de Courgettes
Courgette Prep Essentials
Before creating your rollups de courgettes, proper preparation is key. Wash and trim the ends of 4-5 medium zucchini, then use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice them lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8-inch thick). For best results, pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture this prevents your rollups from becoming soggy.
Zesty Ricotta Filling
- 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese (full-fat works best)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients until well combined. Let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Pantry Staples
For this rollups de courgettes recipe, you’ll need high-quality olive oil for drizzling, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning. Optional additions include red pepper flakes for heat, lemon juice for brightness, or a balsamic glaze for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Rollups de Courgettes Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Courgette Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Lay out your zucchini slices on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out moisture.
- After 10 minutes, pat the slices dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Brush each slice with a thin layer of olive oil on both sides.
- If desired, grill or sauté the slices for 1-2 minutes per side to enhance flavor and flexibility.
Assembling Courgette Rollups
- Place a zucchini slice on a flat surface with the narrower end facing you.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the zesty ricotta mixture evenly on each slice, leaving a small border at the far end.
- Starting from the narrow end, carefully roll up each slice to create a spiral.
- Place each rollup seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
Baking Perfect Courgette Rolls
- Drizzle the arranged rollups with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still holds its shape.
- For a golden finish, broil for the last 2 minutes (watch closely to prevent burning).
Serving Rollups de Courgettes
Allow the rollups de courgettes to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to transfer to plates without falling apart. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, a drizzle of quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Pro Tips for Perfect Rollups de Courgettes
Avoiding Soggy Courgette Rollups
- Salt and drain your zucchini slices thoroughly this is crucial for crisp rollups
- Don’t overcrowd your baking dish; leave space between each rollup
- If preparing in advance, assemble but wait to bake until just before serving
- Consider pre-grilling the zucchini slices for added texture and to reduce moisture
Tool Recommendations
- A mandoline slicer ensures uniform thickness for even cooking
- Silicone pastry brush for applying olive oil without tearing delicate zucchini
- Offset spatula for spreading ricotta filling evenly
- Shallow ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rollups de courgettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our collection of Mediterranean vegetable dishes on Pinterest. We’ve gathered hundreds of creative recipes that will transform your veggie game!
Flavor Variations for Rollups de Courgettes
Mediterranean Twist
Transform your rollups de courgettes with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese in place of some of the ricotta. Add a pinch of dried oregano and thyme to evoke the flavors of Greece.
Herb Garden Delight
Experiment with different herb combinations in your ricotta filling try dill and mint for a refreshing change, or rosemary and thyme for a more robust flavor profile that complements the zucchini beautifully.
Nutty Crunch
Add texture contrast to your rollups de courgettes by incorporating toasted pine nuts or walnuts into the ricotta filling, or sprinkle them on top before serving for an elegant finish.
| Flavor Variation | Key Ingredients | Best Served With | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sun-dried tomatoes, feta, olives | Greek salad | 15 min |
| Herb Garden | Fresh herbs, lemon zest | Grilled fish | 10 min |
| Nutty Crunch | Pine nuts, walnuts | Roasted chicken | 12 min |
| Spicy Kick | Red pepper flakes, paprika | Crusty bread | 10 min |
Serving Suggestions for Rollups de Courgettes
These elegant rollups de courgettes shine as a starter or side dish but can also be a light main course. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. They pair wonderfully with crusty artisan bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving your rollups de courgettes with:
- A light tomato sauce or coulis underneath
- Quinoa or farro salad for added protein and texture
- Roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
- Fresh arugula tossed with olive oil and lemon juice
For beverage pairings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the zesty ricotta beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with cucumber and mint.
FAQs About Rollups de Courgettes
Can I prepare rollups de courgettes in advance?
Yes! You can slice the zucchini and prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
My zucchini slices keep breaking when I try to roll them. What am I doing wrong?
You may be slicing them too thin or not removing enough moisture. Try slicing them slightly thicker (about 1/8 inch) and be sure to salt and pat them dry thoroughly before rolling.
Can I freeze these rollups de courgettes?
While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of both the zucchini and ricotta will change. These rollups are best enjoyed fresh.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese or tofu “ricotta.” The texture will be different but still delicious.
What can I do with leftover ricotta filling?
Leftover filling makes a delicious spread for crostini, a filling for stuffed mushrooms, or can be thinned with a little pasta water to create a quick sauce for pasta.
Conclusion
These Rollups de Courgettes with Zesty Ricotta transform a simple vegetable into an elegant, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of tender zucchini with creamy, herb-infused ricotta creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Now that you’ve mastered this technique, the possibilities for variations are endless! Head to your kitchen and try this recipe tonight I’d love to hear how your rollups turn out. Share your creations with our growing community of food enthusiasts who have fallen in love with this versatile dish.
Looking for more vegetable-forward recipes? Check out our other popular dishes that elevate simple ingredients to extraordinary meals. Your journey to delicious, memorable cooking is just beginning!
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How to Make Irresistible Rollups de Courgettes with Zesty Ricotta
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 rouleaux 1x
Description
Des rouleaux de courgettes grillées garnis d’une ricotta légère au citron et au basilic frais, parfumés et parfaits en apéritif ou en accompagnement d’été.
Ingredients
2 courgettes moyennes
1 c. à soupe d’huile d’olive
Sel et poivre, au goût
1 tasse de ricotta
Zeste râpé d’un citron
1 c. à soupe de jus de citron
2 c. à soupe de basilic frais haché
1 c. à soupe de parmesan râpé (facultatif)
1 c. à soupe de miel (facultatif, pour la touche sucrée)
Feuilles de basilic entières pour décorer
Instructions
1. Tranchez les courgettes dans le sens de la longueur à l’aide d’une mandoline ou d’un couteau fin, pour obtenir des rubans longs et réguliers.
2. Badigeonnez-les légèrement d’huile d’olive, salez et poivrez.
3. Grillez les tranches sur une poêle ou un gril chaud 1 à 2 minutes de chaque côté, jusqu’à ce qu’elles soient tendres et légèrement dorées.
4. Laissez refroidir quelques minutes.
5. Dans un bol, mélangez la ricotta, le zeste et le jus de citron, le basilic haché, le parmesan et le miel (si utilisé). Assaisonnez de sel et poivre.
6. Déposez une cuillerée de mélange à la ricotta sur une extrémité de chaque tranche de courgette et roulez délicatement.
7. Disposez les rollups sur un plat, garnissez de feuilles de basilic entières et d’un filet d’huile d’olive.
8. Servez frais ou à température ambiante.
Notes
Parfaits en amuse-bouche d’été ou pour un buffet léger.
Vous pouvez remplacer le basilic par de la menthe ou de l’aneth pour varier les saveurs.
Ces rouleaux se conservent 1 jour au réfrigérateur, bien couverts.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Apéritif
- Method: Grillé et assemblé
- Cuisine: Méditerranéenne
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rouleaux
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: courgettes grillées, ricotta citron basilic, rollups, amuse-bouche, recette légère, été