Rouleaux de courgettes au fromage are delightful zucchini rolls filled with cheese, perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish. They’re easy to make and can be baked or grilled. Here's a recipe to guide you:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized zucchinis (courgettes)
- 200g (about 1 cup) of ricotta cheese or cream cheese
- 100g (about 1 cup) of grated cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, or mozzarella)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- A handful of fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Optional: 1/2 cup of marinara sauce for baking
Instructions:
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Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices or a sharp knife.
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Pre-cook the Zucchini:
- Lightly brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the zucchini slices on a grill or grill pan over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side, just until they are slightly softened and have grill marks. Alternatively, you can sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil until they are pliable. Let them cool slightly.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese (or cream cheese), grated cheese, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir until the mixture is well combined.
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Assemble the Rolls:
- Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of each zucchini slice.
- Gently roll up each slice to enclose the filling.
- Secure the rolls with a toothpick if needed.
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Bake (Optional):
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- If you’re using marinara sauce, spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the zucchini rolls in the dish, seam side down.
- If you like, you can spoon a little extra marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with more grated cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rolls are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
- Serve the zucchini rolls warm as an appetizer or side dish. They can also be enjoyed at room temperature or cold.
These rouleaux de courgettes au fromage are a versatile dish that can be adapted with different cheeses and herbs to suit your taste. Enjoy!
