Zucchini & Smoked Salmon Involtini

Zucchini & Smoked Salmon Involtini

The concept of “involtini” is truly versatile and enticing. In Italian cuisine, “involtini” refers to any type of roll-up dish, offering a heavenly combination of flavours and textures.

This variation involves thin zucchini ribbons filled with a velvety mixture of cream cheese, dill, capers, fresh lemon & lime zest, and then carefully rolled into the shape of a delicate rose.

The vibrant colours and refreshing flavours make these zucchini involtini a stunning addition to any gathering, creating a beautiful presentation that instantly sets the stage for an enjoyable meal.

What’s more, despite their elegant appearance, these zucchini involtini are remarkably simple to prepare, making them an accessible and impressive dish that is sure to appeal to even the most seasoned food critic.

The thin zucchini ribbons filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, dill, capers, and the zest of fresh lemon and lime.

The meticulous process of rolling these ingredients into the form of delicate roses transforms a handful of simple components into an artful dish.

What sets these zucchini involtini apart is not only their heavenly taste but also their visual appeal.

Grilled zucchini ribbons, combined with the freshness of the herbs and citrus zest, create a stunning tapestry that captivates the eyes before even reaching the palate.

These involtini are not just any dish; they are a feast for the senses.

Imagine presenting a platter of these zucchini involtini at a gathering – an instant centerpiece that sets the stage for an enjoyable meal.

These delicate rose-like appetisers become a conversation starter, inviting guests to marvel at the result.

Each bite offers a burst of refreshing flavours, a harmonious blend of creamy richness from the cheese, the herbaceous notes of dill, and the citrus intensity from the lemon and lime zest.

What adds to the charm of these zucchini involtini is the surprising simplicity of their preparation.

Despite their elegant appearance, even the most novice cooks can master the art of crafting these edible roses.

The accessible nature of the recipe ensures that anyone can create a dish that rivals the offerings of a seasoned chef.

The concept of involtini, exemplified by these zucchini roses, transcends the ordinary, turning a simple roll-up dish into a edible masterpiece.

Whether you are a seasoned food enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, these zucchini involtini are sure to leave a lasting impression, making any gathering more memorable.

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Zucchini & Smoked Salmon Involtini

(Serves 12 Prep 30mins)

You Will Need:

1. Zucchini: These versatile vegetables will serve as the base for the dish. Rich in nutrients and low in calories, zucchini provides a fresh and healthy component to the recipe. The Zucchini should be consistent in size.
2. Spray olive oil: This will be used to lightly coat the zucchini slices before grilling, adding a subtle taste, preventing the zucchini from sticking to the grill and helping to achieve a golden-brown colour.
3. Cream cheese: Creamy and indulgent, cream cheese will form the base of the filling. Its smooth texture and mild flavour provide a perfect complement to the other ingredients.
4. Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice will add a bright and zesty acidity to the cream cheese filling, enhancing its flavour and providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
5. Lemon/lime zest + extra to garnish: The zest of lemon and lime will impart a fragrant citrus aroma and add a fresh burst to the filling. Extra zest can be reserved for garnishing the finished dish, adding visual appeal and an additional layer of flavour.
6. Capers: These briny, pickled flower buds will add a tangy and slightly salty flavour to the filling, complementing the richness of the cream cheese and the smokiness of the salmon.
7. Fresh dill: Fresh dill adds a bright and herbaceous flavour to the filling, enhancing its freshness and providing a notable contrast to the richness of the other ingredients. It’s one of my favourite herbs, so I tend to be a bit heavy handed with it.
8. Smoked salmon: Smoked salmon brings a luxurious and savoury element to the dish. Its delicate texture and distinct flavour will complement the creamy filling and add a touch of elegance to the finished dish.
9. Caviar (optional): For an extra touch of luxury and sophistication, a small amount of caviar can be added as a garnish. Its briny flavour and delicate texture will elevate the dish and add a luxurious finishing touch but it is totally optional.

Instructions:

1. Start by thoroughly washing the zucchini under cold running water. Once clean, cut off and discard the ends.
2. Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the zucchini lengthways into ribbons. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and rolling.
3. Very lightly spray a grill pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the pan over medium high heat and allow it to heat up.
4. Once the grill pan is hot, add the zucchini strips in a single layer (4-5 at a time). Grill them for a few minutes on each side until they are lightly browned and softened. This step helps to release some of the moisture from the zucchini and makes them more pliable for rolling.
5. Once the zucchini strips are lightly browned, transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
6. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon & lime zest, capers, and finely chopped dill. Mix everything together until well combined.
7. Take one tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture and spread it along the length of each zucchini ribbon. Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
8. Cut strips of smoked salmon to match the width of the zucchini ribbons. Place a strip of smoked salmon on top of each zucchini ribbon, making sure it doesn’t extend past the ends of the zucchini.
9. For added flavour and presentation, place a sprig of fresh dill in the middle of each zucchini ribbon before rolling.
10. Carefully roll up each zucchini ribbon with the cream cheese mixture and smoked salmon inside. Roll them firmly but gently to ensure they hold together.
11. Optionally, sprinkle extra lime or lemon zest over the rolled zucchini ribbons for an additional burst of citrus flavour and visual appeal.
12. For a luxurious touch, consider placing a small amount of caviar on top of each rolled zucchini ribbon (optional).

Helpful Tips:

• You can substitute zucchini with Lebanese cucumber.

• If using cucumber, you can use a peeler fro make your ribbons as long as your cucumber is firm.

• Alternatively, invest in a mandolin to get consistently slices.

• You can skip the browning step if using cucumber or zucchini cut using a peeler, but your strips need to be thin.

• You don’t have to add the capers.

• Lemon juice can be used without the zest but the zest gives it a lot more depth of flavour.

• Invest in a zester– a really handy tool to have in the kitchen.

• You should also invest in a citrus juicer. I currently use this one.

• Dill can be a strong herb so you can use less if you need.

• You can use dried dill but for full flavour fresh is best.

• You could substitute smoked salmon for fresh salmon or trout but you want thin slices.

• Caviar can be bought in the deli section of the supermarket in a small jar and just adds a bit of decadence.

Zucchini & Smoked Salmon Involtini

Recipe

(Serves 12 Prep 30 mins)

Ingredients

• 2 large zucchini
• Spray olive oil
• 125g cream cheese
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 Tbsp lemon/lime zest + extra to garnish
• 2 tsp capers
• 3 Tbsp finely chopped dill
• 150g smoked salmon
• 1/8 tsp caviar (optional)

Method

1. Wash zucchini, cut & discard ends
2. Use a mandolin or sharp knife and thinly slice zucchini lengthways into ribbons
3. Lightly spray grill pan with oil & lightly brown strips both sides to soften
4. Transfer strips to a plate lined with a paper towel
5. In a medium bowl mix cream cheese, lemon juice, zest, capers and chopped dill until well combined
6. Two handy kitchen gadgets are a Zester which can be purchased Here & a Lemon squeezer (The one I use)
7. Spread 1 tbsp of cream cheese mixture along length of zucchini ribbons
8. Cut strips of smoked salmon, the same width as zucchini
9. Place salmon on top of zucchini strips
10. Ensure its not too bulky and doesn’t extend past the ends of the zucchini
11. Place a sprig of dill in middle of strips
12. Gently roll the strips up
13. Top with extra lime/lemon zest (Zester)
14. (optional) Place about 1/8 tsp of caviar on each

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc’s acidity and bright flavours can complement the smoked salmon, while the herbal notes can work well with the zucchini.

Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a versatile white wine that won’t overpower the delicate flavours of the dish. Its fruity notes can complement the zucchini, and its acidity can cut through the richness of the smoked salmon.

Chardonnay (unoaked): Unoaked Chardonnay allows the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine without the influence of oak. The acidity can complement the smoked salmon, and the overall profile pairs well with the dish.

Rosé: Rosé wines, especially those with good acidity, can be versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. The dry and fruity profile can complement the flavours in the involtini.

Sparkling Wine (Brut or Extra Brut): Sparkling wine can add a celebratory touch to the meal. The effervescence can cleanse the palate between bites, and the acidity can complement both the zucchini and smoked salmon.

Spotlight

Capers

Capers originate from the caper bush (Capparis Spinosa) which is also known as Flinders Rose, a prickly bush. Essentially capers are pickled green flower buds from the caper bush and have a distinctive tangy, salty taste.

Once these immature flowerbeds ripen, they become caperberries which have a milder sweeter flavour. Preserved in a number of ways, cured in salt or pickled in brine, capers often used in Mediterranean cuisine, offer a savoury salty addition to any kitchen.