Zucchini Ricotta Vegetable Roll (Print-Friendly Format)

Zucchini and ricotta layered with sautéed vegetables for a light, wholesome and flavor-packed meal or appetizer.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Zucchini Base

01 - 3 medium zucchini, grated
02 - 1 teaspoon salt, for draining zucchini
03 - 3 large eggs
04 - 0.5 teaspoon salt, for batter
05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 1 sprig fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 - Olive oil or vegetable oil, for greasing

→ Filling

11 - 1 medium onion, finely diced
12 - 1 medium carrot, grated or finely diced
13 - 1 bell pepper, diced
14 - 8 to 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
15 - 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
17 - 150 grams ricotta cheese

# How to Make It:

01 - Grate the zucchini and place it in a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, stir, and let it rest for 15 minutes to extract moisture.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with 0.5 teaspoon salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
03 - Transfer salted zucchini to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
04 - Add drained zucchini and chopped parsley to the egg mixture. Fold gently until homogenous.
05 - Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease with oil.
06 - Spread zucchini mixture evenly on prepared tray to form a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Smooth with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 to 30 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.
07 - While the base bakes, heat olive oil in a pan. Cook diced onion for 2 minutes, then add carrot and bell pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
08 - Add cherry tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 more minutes until just softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
09 - Place plastic wrap or parchment paper on a flat surface. Carefully transfer baked zucchini base onto it.
10 - Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the entire zucchini base.
11 - Spoon cooled vegetable mixture evenly over ricotta. Press lightly to adhere.
12 - Using the plastic wrap as a guide, roll the zucchini layer tightly from the short edge without compressing the filling. Wrap securely in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm.
13 - Remove the wrap and slice roll into thick rounds with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For neater slices, ensure the roll is thoroughly chilled before cutting.
02 - Select firm zucchini to avoid excess moisture.