Low-fat Ricotta Spinach Rolls

Vegetarian Italian Recipe: Ricotta Spinach Rolls with Pasta Sauce

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Low-fat ricotta spinach rolls are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional lasagna. These rolls are packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach, carrots, and fresh herbs, making them a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern take on classic lasagna, using low-fat ricotta cheese and plenty of fresh vegetables to create a lighter and healthier dish. The combination of creamy ricotta, savory spinach, and tangy tomato sauce is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lasagne pasta
16 oz (454 g) low-fat ricotta cheese or fat-free ricotta cheese
8 oz (227 g) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 box of chopped frozen spinach, drained well
3 medium carrots, shredded
0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.5 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 egg
salt and pepper
16 oz (454 g) pasta sauce (homemade or store bought)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Start by chopping the basil and parsley. (You can use dried herbs if you prefer.)
Prepare the lasagna pasta according to the package instructions. Lay a few sheets of wax paper on the kitchen table.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella (reserve the rest for later), parsley, basil, spinach (make sure to squeeze it out dry!), salt, pepper, egg, and carrots. Mix well by hand.
Lay the cooked lasagna on the wax paper and spread a thin layer of the spinach mixture down the length of the lasagna.
You may have leftover pasta and/or spinach filling. You can store it or discard it.
Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a large shallow casserole dish.
Roll each filled lasagna and place it in the casserole dish.
Spoon the pasta sauce onto the spinach rolls.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20 – 30 minutes.
Serve hot with a crusty garlic bread and salad.

Variations

Add cooked ground turkey or chicken to the filling for extra protein.
Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber.
Substitute other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for the carrots.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.

- Make sure to spread a thin layer of filling on each lasagna sheet to ensure even rolls.

- Serve the rolls with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the low-fat ricotta spinach rolls with a side of garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

- Roll the lasagna sheets tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole milk ricotta cheese if you prefer a richer flavor.

- Substitute frozen chopped kale or Swiss chard for the spinach.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

- Leftover rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the rolls with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving. - Serve the rolls on a bed of marinara sauce for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the low-fat ricotta spinach rolls with a light and fruity red wine like a Pinot Noir or Sangiovese.

- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing side dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the rolls in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of low-fat ricotta spinach rolls contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of low-fat ricotta spinach rolls contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of low-fat ricotta spinach rolls contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of low-fat ricotta spinach rolls contains approximately 18 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Low-fat ricotta spinach rolls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta and mozzarella cheese) and wheat (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Low-fat ricotta spinach rolls are a nutritious and satisfying meal option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Low-fat ricotta spinach rolls are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional lasagna, packed with fresh vegetables and creamy ricotta cheese. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite for a light and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was during a gathering with some friends at a local farmer's market, where we were browsing through the various stalls filled with fresh produce and homemade goodies. My eyes landed on a small booth where a sweet elderly woman was selling her homemade recipe book, filled with all sorts of delicious and healthy dishes.

As I flipped through the pages, one recipe in particular caught my eye - Low-fat Ricotta Spinach Rolls. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese and nutritious spinach wrapped in a light and flaky pastry sounded absolutely divine. I knew I had to have that recipe, so I eagerly purchased the book and went home to try it out.

I gathered all the ingredients the next day and started preparing the dish. As I mixed the ricotta cheese with the chopped spinach and seasonings, the smell wafting through my kitchen was enough to make my mouth water. I carefully rolled out the pastry dough and spooned the filling onto it, then rolled it up into neat little packages. I popped them in the oven and waited anxiously for them to bake.

When they were finally done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before taking a bite. The first taste was like heaven in my mouth - the creamy ricotta cheese melted in my mouth, while the spinach added a fresh and earthy flavor. The pastry was perfectly flaky and golden brown, adding a lovely crunch to each bite. I couldn't believe how delicious and satisfying these little rolls were, especially considering they were low-fat!

I immediately knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, who all raved about how tasty and healthy it was. I shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, spreading the joy of these Low-fat Ricotta Spinach Rolls far and wide.

Over the years, I have made these rolls countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add in a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra kick, or a dash of garlic powder for some added flavor. No matter how I choose to make them, they always turn out delicious and satisfying.

I have shared this recipe with so many people that it has become a bit of a legend among my friends and family. They always request it for potlucks and gatherings, knowing that it will be a crowd-pleaser. I even entered it into a cooking competition once and won first place! The judges were blown away by the combination of flavors and the lightness of the dish.

I often think back to that day at the farmer's market when I first discovered this recipe. It was a serendipitous moment that has brought so much joy and deliciousness into my life. I am forever grateful to that sweet elderly woman who shared her culinary talents with the world, inspiring me to create my own version of her Low-fat Ricotta Spinach Rolls.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, preparing another batch of these delectable rolls, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing that passion with others through recipes like this one brings me so much joy. I hope that whoever tries this recipe will find as much delight in it as I have, and that it will become a beloved favorite in their own kitchen. Bon appétit!