Zucchini Ravioli is a fresh and innovative twist on traditional ravioli that swaps out pasta for thinly sliced zucchini. This dish is not only delicious but also a fantastic low-carb option, perfect for those looking to enjoy their favorite Italian flavors while maintaining a healthy diet. Filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with marinara sauce, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients:
4 large zucchini
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped basil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup marinara sauce
Directions:
Prepare the Zucchini:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Using a vegetable peeler or mandolin, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.
Lay out three strips, slightly overlapping, to create a base for the ravioli.
Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Ravioli:
Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each zucchini strip base.
Fold the ends of the zucchini strips over the filling to create a ravioli-like package.
Place each zucchini ravioli seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Bake the Ravioli:
Pour the marinara sauce over the zucchini ravioli.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with additional basil or parsley if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious low-carb zucchini ravioli!
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the presentation and flavor of your zucchini ravioli by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Pair with a Side Salad: Serve your zucchini ravioli with a light side salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette. This balances the richness of the ravioli and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
Add a Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein on the side, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This can complement the flavors and make the meal more filling.
Bread for Dipping: A slice of crusty bread can be a great accompaniment to soak up any extra marinara sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or a dry red wine like Chianti pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this dish.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover zucchini ravioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the ravioli in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze zucchini ravioli. Assemble the ravioli as instructed but do not bake. Place the assembled ravioli on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen ravioli to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, keeping it covered with foil for the first part.
Sauce Separation: If you anticipate having leftovers, consider storing the marinara sauce separately from the ravioli. This can help prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy. Simply add the sauce when reheating.
Individual Portions: For convenience, divide the zucchini ravioli into individual portions before storing. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need without having to thaw and reheat the entire dish.
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FAQs:
Can I make Zucchini Ravioli ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Zucchini Ravioli ahead of time. You can assemble the ravioli and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply add the marinara sauce and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for preparing in advance for a dinner party.
How do I ensure my zucchini slices are thin enough?
Using a vegetable peeler or mandolin is the best way to ensure thin, even zucchini slices. If you don’t have these tools, a sharp knife can work, but it may be more challenging to get consistent slices. Thin slices are crucial for the zucchini to be flexible enough to fold into ravioli and cook evenly.
Can I freeze Zucchini Ravioli?
Yes, Zucchini Ravioli can be frozen. Assemble the ravioli as instructed but do not bake. Place the assembled ravioli on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen ravioli to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, keeping it covered with foil for the first part to ensure even cooking.
What can I use as a substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese or prefer an alternative, you can use cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and Greek yogurt as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using a cashew or almond-based ricotta substitute. Ensure the substitute has a similar creamy consistency to achieve the best results in your filling.
Conclusion:
Zucchini Ravioli is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of Italian cuisine while maintaining a healthy and low-carb diet. Its combination of fresh ingredients and rich, cheesy filling makes it a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy this nutritious dish hot out of the oven, garnished with fresh herbs, and relish in the balance of flavors and textures.
📖 Recipe:
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Zucchini Ravioli
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Zucchini Ravioli recipe offers a healthy, low-carb twist on classic ravioli, featuring zucchini slices filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with marinara sauce. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal, this dish is ideal for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
4 large zucchini
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped basil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Using a vegetable peeler or mandolin, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips.
- Lay out three strips, slightly overlapping, to create a base for the ravioli.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each zucchini strip base.
- Fold the ends of the zucchini strips over the filling to create a ravioli-like package.
- Place each zucchini ravioli seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the zucchini ravioli.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with additional basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Ensure zucchini slices are thin for easy folding.
For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 200 kcal
