Zucchini with cottage cheese

Zucchini appetizer with fresh cheese – a delicacy that is easy to prepare, full of freshness and flavor, that will delight any meal. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it perfect for those moments when you want something quick and easy. Moreover, zucchini is a versatile ingredient that fits perfectly into any diet. Let's discover together how to prepare this appetizer that will impress everyone!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 4 minutes
Total time: 14 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients
- 2 zucchini (about 400 g)
- 200 g fresh cheese
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh dill (or oregano, if you prefer)
- Salt to taste

Necessary utensils
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Steamer or a pot with water
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap (to wrap the rolls)

Preparing the zucchini appetizer with fresh cheese

1. Preparing the zucchini
Start by washing the zucchinis well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities, as zucchinis are often grown in soil. Once clean, trim the ends and slice them into thin rounds, about 5 mm thick. These thin slices will cook evenly and will be easier to roll.

2. Cooking the zucchinis
You can choose to steam the zucchinis or blanch them. If you opt for steaming, place the zucchini slices in a steamer basket and let them cook for 4 minutes. If you prefer the blanching method, bring water to a boil in a pot, add the slices, and let them boil for 2-3 minutes. In both cases, the zucchini slices should remain crunchy and not become too soft.

3. Preparing the fresh cheese filling
While the zucchinis are cooking, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, place the fresh cheese and add salt to taste. Use a fork to mash the cheese until it becomes a smooth paste. Add the fresh dill, washed and finely chopped. Dill brings a fresh and aromatic flavor, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with oregano, which will provide a different yet equally delicious taste.

4. Assembling the rolls
After the zucchinis have cooled slightly, take a slice and spread it with the cheese mixture. Roll up the slices to form rolls. Make sure the filling is well distributed along the length of the slices so that each bite is full of flavor.

5. Chilling and serving
Once you have formed all the rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour. This step helps to firm up the rolls, ensuring they hold their shape when served. When ready, cut the rolls in half or into smaller pieces to make them easier to serve. You can garnish them with a few fresh dill leaves for a more appealing look.

Chef's tip
To add a touch of flavor, you can also add a few drops of extra virgin olive oil to the cheese filling. This will enrich the flavor and provide a creamy texture. Additionally, if you want to make the appetizer even more interesting, you can add a thin slice of tomato or a bit of feta cheese inside the rolls.

Nutritional benefits
Zucchini is a vegetable rich in water and fiber, with low calorie content, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Fresh cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, thus contributing to bone and muscle health. Therefore, this appetizer is not only tasty but also very nutritious.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen zucchini?
It is recommended to use fresh zucchini for optimal texture, but if you have frozen zucchini, you can use them. Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking.

2. How can I vary the recipe?
You can add other herbs such as basil or parsley. You can also try replacing the fresh cheese with goat cheese for a more intense flavor.

3. What drinks pair well with this appetizer?
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine, but also with a fresh lemonade or iced herbal tea.

A personal note
I fondly remember the first time I prepared this appetizer for a dinner with friends. Their reactions were delightful and confirmed to me that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the greatest joys. I encourage you to try it and share it with your loved ones – it will surely become a favorite!

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get cooking! This zucchini appetizer with fresh cheese is easy to make and will bring a touch of freshness to your table. Enjoy!