Zavioli with Spinach and Ricotta

Description

A low-carb take on ravioli. Thin strips of zucchini are stuffed with a classic magro (lean) filling and pesto, topped with tomato sauce and cheese, then baked. Top with fresh hot chile peppers or pepper flakes and more Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup chopped spinach
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup basil leaves, torn
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, or more to taste
  • ½ clove garlic (Optional)
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 extra large zucchini
  • 9 toothpicks, soaked in water
  • ¼ cup pasta sauce
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Mix ricotta cheese
  3. spinach
  4. egg
  5. and pepper together in a bowl.
  6. Grind basil
  7. oil
  8. and garlic together into a chunky paste using a mortar and pestle. Add pine nuts to the pesto; grind to the size of small peddles.
  9. Slice zucchini lengthwise into strips using a mandoline.
  10. Arrange 2 zucchini strips in the shape of a cross. Spoon some of the ricotta cheese mixture in the middle of the cross. Top with a dollop of pesto. Fold ends into the center to create a parcel
  11. starting from the bottom end and moving clockwise. Secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining zucchini strips
  12. ricotta cheese mixture
  13. and pesto.
  14. Spread some of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Arrange zucchini parcels on top
  15. spacing them 1/2 inch apart. Spoon a bit of pasta sauce on top of each parcel. Sprinkle Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese on top.
  16. Bake in the preheated oven until sauce and zucchini begin to brown
  17. about 20 minutes.

Prep Time: 35 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Servings: 4

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