Recipe: Zucchini Roll-Ups with Herbed Ricotta and Gruyere Filling and Tomato Sauce

ZUCCHINI ROLLS WITH HERBED RICOTTA AND GRUYERE FILLING

"These little zucchini rolls can be served not only as a side dish but also as a first course. They can be assembled ahead of time and then popped into the oven just before serving."

FOR THE ZUCCHINI:
4 large zucchini
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use

FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE:
1 (28 ounce) can peeled tomatoes with their juices
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 leaves fresh basil, cut into thin strips

FOR THE RICOTTA-GRUYERE FILLING:
1 cup (8 ounces) well-drained Ricotta cheese
1 cup (8 ounces) shredded Gruyere
2 eggs, beaten
10 large fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

TO PREPARE THE ZUCCHINI:
Cut off both ends of the zucchini and then cut them lengthwise into long slices about 1/3-inch thick. Place the zucchini slices on the drain board on several thicknesses of paper towels. Sprinkle both sides liberally with salt and leave to drain for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the broiler on high and position the rack 3-inches beneath the heat source.

Pour 4 tablespoons of the olive oil into a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat a large baking sheet with the olive oil.

Blot the zucchini dry with clean paper towels. Place the zucchini slices on the baking sheet and brush their tops with olive oil. Place beneath the heat source and broil until browned on top. Remove from oven and turn over, using a spatula; brush the tops with olive oil; return to the oven; and broil on the other side. Remove from oven and set aside.

TO MAKE THE TOMATO SAUCE:
Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and chop coarsely.

Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until it begins to turn golden brown. Remove the saucepan from the heat, pour the tomatoes into the pan, and return it to the heat. Cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring as necessary to prevent sticking, until the sauce is thick. Remove from the heat. Add the basil and set aside.

TO MAKE THE RICOTTA-GRUYERE FILLING:
Mix the Ricotta, Gruyere, eggs, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a mixing bowl until all ingredients are well combined.

TO FILL AND BAKE THE ZUCCHINI ROLLS:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

With the zucchini still on the baking sheet, divide the Ricotta Filing among the zucchini. Use a knife to spread the Filling on the top of the zucchini slices as if you were buttering a piece of bread. For each slice, fold one end inward and roll the zucchini to form a spiral. Continue until all the zucchini slices are rolled up, leaving about 1-inch between the rolls on the baking sheet.

Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the Ricotta Filling is well heated and beginning to brown.

TO SERVE:
Transfer the Zucchini Rolls to a platter and drizzle the sauce over the zucchini. Or, to serve as a first course, spoon several tablespoons of tomato sauce onto a plate and place two Zucchini Rolls on top of the sauce. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes about 16 Zucchini Rolls, serves 8
Source: Cheese, Glorious Cheese by Paula Lambert