Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni

Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni is a delightful low-carb twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender ricotta and fresh spinach wrapped in zucchini instead of traditional pasta. This savory dish is baked to perfection and topped with a rich tomato sauce, making it both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Zucchini - 2 large
• Ricotta cheese - 250 grams
• Fresh spinach - 150 grams
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Egg - 1 large
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Tomato sauce - 200 grams
• Basil - 1 teaspoon, dried

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Wash the zucchinis and slice them lengthwise into thin strips (about 0.5 cm thick).
3. Sprinkle salt on the zucchini strips and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, black pepper, and mix well.
7. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
8. Take a zucchini strip, place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture at one end, and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining strips and filling.
9. Arrange the zucchini cannelloni in the baking dish seam-side down. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with dried basil.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbs: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
• Rich in protein and calcium from ricotta cheese, supporting muscle health.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh spinach, promoting overall health.

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