Ingredients:
3 medium zucchini
5 eggs
5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing)
Fresh parsley, chopped
250g (about 1 cup) Philadelphia or other cream cheese
200g (about 7 oz) cooked ham (optional; substitute with other vegetables or thinly sliced tomatoes)
Directions:
Prepare the Zucchini:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
Wash and grate the zucchinis using a grater with large holes.
Sprinkle salt over the grated zucchini, mix, and set it aside in a colander to drain excess moisture.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
No extra salt is needed as the Parmesan cheese provides enough seasoning.
Combine Ingredients:
After the zucchini has drained, squeeze out the excess liquid.
Add the grated zucchini to the egg mixture and mix well.
Bake the Zucchini Roll:
Line a 30 x 40 cm baking tray with parchment paper and lightly oil it with extra virgin olive oil.
Pour the zucchini mixture into the tray and spread it evenly using a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until set and slightly golden.
Cool and Prepare the Filling:
Remove the zucchini roll from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes.
Place a layer of plastic wrap on a flat surface and transfer the baked zucchini layer onto it.
Spread the cream cheese evenly over the zucchini layer.
Lay the ham slices (or alternative vegetables/tomatoes) evenly on top of the cream cheese.
Roll and Chill:
Carefully roll up the zucchini layer using the plastic wrap to help keep the roll tight.
Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal the roll tightly.
Place in the refrigerator and let it chill for 2 hours.
Serve:
After chilling, remove the plastic wrap.
Slice the roll into 1-2 cm pieces and arrange them on a serving dish.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or light main course.
Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Garnish with extra chopped parsley for added freshness.
Serve with a side of garlic bread for a more filling meal.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.
Cooking Tips:
Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: Make sure the zucchini is well-drained to prevent the roll from becoming soggy.
Customize Fillings: Use other fillings like smoked salmon, roasted peppers, or different cheeses for variety.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice the roll cleanly without squashing it.
Cool Before Rolling: Let the zucchini layer cool completely before spreading the filling and rolling to avoid tearing.
Vegetarian Substitute: You can skip the ham and add roasted veggies for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Benefits:
Zucchini: Low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins A and C.
Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and D.
Cream Cheese: Adds calcium, protein, and a creamy texture to the dish.
Ham (optional): A source of protein; can be substituted with other healthy vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Dietary Information:
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, as it uses no flour or gluten-containing ingredients.
Low-Carb: A low-carb option that’s great for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Vegetarian Option: Can be made vegetarian by replacing ham with additional vegetables or tomatoes.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approx.):
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 120mg
Iron: 1mg
Storage:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of zucchini and cream cheese may change upon thawing.
Reheating: Best served cold, but can be gently reheated in the microwave if preferred.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Healthy and Delicious: A nutritious, light meal with vegetables, eggs, and cheese.
Versatile: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe is great for beginners.
Perfect for Any Meal: Whether as an appetizer or light lunch, it’s always a hit.
Great for Entertaining: This recipe looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
