Zavioli with Spinach and Ricotta
World Cuisine European Italian
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.
Servings per recipe: 4
Calories per serving: 267
Preparation time: 35m
Total cooking time: 55m
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 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
- 1/2 clove garlic (optional)
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 extra large zucchini
- 9 toothpicks, soaked in water
- 1/4 cup pasta sauce
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Directions:
- 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- 2 Mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, and pepper together in a bowl.
- 3 Grind basil, oil, 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.
- 4 Slice zucchini lengthwise into strips using a mandoline.
- 5 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, starting from the bottom end and moving clockwise. Secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining zucchini strips, ricotta cheese mixture, and pesto.
- 6 Spread some of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Arrange zucchini parcels on top, spacing them 1/2 inch apart. Spoon a bit of pasta sauce on top of each parcel. Sprinkle Parmiggiano-Reggiano cheese on top.
- 7 Bake in the preheated oven until sauce and zucchini begin to brown, about 20 minutes.
Nutrion facts:
| Total Fat | 17.8g | 27% |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0g | |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 240mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 717mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13.6g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9g | 12% |
| Protein | 15.3g | 31% |
| Sugars | 5g | |
| Vitamin A | 2040IU | |
| Vitamin C | 34mg | |
| Calcium | 303mg | |
| Iron | 2mg | |
| Thiamin | 0mg | |
| Niacin | 4mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0mg | |
| Magnesium | 70mg | |
| Folate | 92mcg |
