Low-carb zucchini cannelloni ============================ .. figure:: _static/zucchini_cann1.jpg Zucchini cannelloni - Serves: 4 - Type: main Background ---------- Who doesn't like Italian food?, I have to admit that I am not a such big fan of it (and this is why my citizenship might be revoked) but I like to eat some Italian food from time to time, especially because it is simple to cook, but since my partner and I are in a low carb diet, Italian food is kind of forbidden in this house. To avoid lack of Italian food, I found some alternatives online and to use grilled zucchini instead of pasta -for lasagna (I will upgrade the recipe soon), cannelloni- is a good idea and it is really healthy and you will not be there thinking about all the km you must to run to feel light again. I used less ricotta cheese that in some recipes you will find online, believe me, in this case less is better. Ingredients ----------- .. figure:: _static/zucchini_cann2.jpg Ingredients - 3 large zucchini - 250 grams ricotta cheese - 5 tablespoons parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dry oregano - 250 ml marinara sauce ( :doc:`marinara_sauce` ) - 200 grams mozzarella for pizza - 100 grams diced ham (prosciutto cotto) - optional - olive oil - red pepper flakes - 100 grams cooked and drained spinach Steps ----- #. Heat the electric grill or grill pan #. Cut in thick slices the zucchini #. Pour some olive oil into the grill and expand it #. Place the sliced zucchini and grill for both sides being careful to do not burn them #. Remove the excess of liquid with paper towel and set aside .. figure:: _static/zucchini_cann3.jpg Grill the zucchini #. Prepare the ricotta filling adding the ricotta cheese, 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, dry oregano, basil leaves, red pepper flakes and the spinach in a bowl and blend all the ingredients until smooth #. Add the prosciutto dices #. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes .. figure:: _static/zucchini_cann4.jpg Preparing the ricotta filling #. Assemble the zucchini cannelloni, add a tablespoon of the ricotta filling onto one side of the zucchini and spread it. #. Roll up the zucchini been careful to do not break them .. figure:: _static/zucchini_cann5.jpg Rolling the zucchini cannelloni #. Spread tomato marinara sauce in a ovenproof dish #. Place the zucchini cannelloni seam side down above the marinara sauce #. Add some tomato marinara sauce on the cannelloni, a small piece of mozzarella and sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese .. figure:: _static/zucchini_cann6.jpg Preparing to bake #. Bake in a pre-heated oven (180°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.