Zucchini Roll Up Lasagne Recipe
Introduction
Indulge in the delightful layers of our Zucchini Roll Up Lasagne, a vegetarian dish that perfectly marries the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and a rich, homemade tomato basil sauce. This recipe is a fantastic alternative to traditional lasagna, substituting pasta with thinly sliced zucchini, creating a lighter yet satisfying meal. Perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy family meal, this lasagna will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green zucchini | 3, thinly sliced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | For cooking |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Green zucchini | 1-1/2, finely chopped |
| Red bell pepper (capsicum) | 1, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely diced |
| Dried thyme leaves | 1 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes | 500 grams |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 8 cloves, finely chopped |
| Black peppercorns | 2 teaspoons, crushed |
| Red chili flakes | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Basil leaves | 1/4 cup, chopped |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 |
| Cooking | 45 |
| Total Time | 65 |
Instructions
Preparing the Zucchini
- Slice and Grill: Start by preparing the zucchini; cut each zucchini vertically into long, thin strips. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and lightly brush it with olive oil. Grill the zucchini strips for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop beautiful grill marks. Once done, set them aside to cool.
Making the Stuffing
- Sauté Vegetables: In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced garlic and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 1-2 minutes. Next, add the finely chopped onion and continue to sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Zucchini and Peppers: Stir in the finely chopped zucchini and red bell pepper, sautéing for an additional 5 minutes. Season with dried thyme, rosemary, red chili flakes, and salt to taste. Toss everything together and sauté for another 2 minutes before removing from heat. Allow the mixture to cool.
Preparing the Tomato Basil Sauce
- Boil and Peel Tomatoes: In a separate saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the whole tomatoes and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until the skins start to peel. Remove them from the water and let them cool. Once cool, peel the skins, remove the seeds, and roughly chop the tomatoes, retaining the juices for flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onion, stirring until they begin to sizzle and the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped tomatoes, chopped basil, sugar, black peppercorns, and a sprinkle of salt to the pan. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Blend the Sauce: Using a hand blender, coarsely puree the mixture to achieve a saucy consistency. Cover the pan with a lid slightly ajar and let it simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Adjust the seasoning with salt and red chili flakes, then set aside.
Assembling the Zucchini Roll Up Lasagne
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
- Roll the Zucchini: Take one grilled zucchini strip, place about a tablespoon of the vegetable filling at one end, and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining zucchini strips.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a baking dish, spread a generous layer of the tomato basil sauce on the bottom. Arrange the rolled zucchini next to each other in the dish, filling it completely.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the zucchini rolls.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Serve Hot: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Zucchini Roll Up Lasagne hot, accompanied by garlic bread with herb butter and a refreshing chickpea orange salad with sun-dried tomatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Roll Up Lasagne is not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes, showcasing beautiful colors and textures. Each bite is a harmony of fresh ingredients and savory flavors, making it a wholesome dish that you can enjoy any day of the week. Dive into this culinary delight and relish the joy of cooking and sharing with loved ones! Enjoy!
