Ricotta and zucchini balls are a quick and tasty second course, perfect for everyday dinners during the hot summer, or as an appetizer on special occasions. They are simply a variation of the spinach and potato balls recipe cooked in the pan, but without cooking. The only ingredients for this recipe are ricotta, zucchini, ham, and grated cheese.
A recipe without eggs, perfect for those intolerant to this ingredient. If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham, as it won’t compromise the success of the recipe. Curious to find out how to make them? Then read the recipe, because the ricotta and zucchini balls will be ready in a click!
If you’re interested in other ball recipes, also read:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 35Pieces
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
- Energy 177.62 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 7.95 (g) of which sugars 0.63 (g)
- Proteins 12.65 (g)
- Fat 10.62 (g) of which saturated 5.94 (g)of which unsaturated 4.17 (g)
- Fibers 0.71 (g)
- Sodium 900.97 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 108 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 8.8 oz ricotta
- 1 zucchini (medium)
- 1.6 oz cooked ham (sliced)
- 0.9 oz grated Parmesan
- 0.9 oz breadcrumbs
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- pistachio crumbs (to taste)
Tools
- Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Grater
Steps
First, clean the zucchini, remove the ends, and grate them with a wide-hole grater. Add a bit of salt, mix, and let them rest for 15 minutes. Then, take them again and squeeze them very well to remove all the water. Separately, chop the ham slices. Alternatively, you can also use prosciutto or speck.
Now put the ricotta in a bowl and add the grated and squeezed zucchini. Also add the chopped cooked ham, grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Start mixing with a spoon until you get a homogeneous mixture.
Now add the breadcrumbs and mix again until you get a smooth and slightly sticky mixture, but one that can be formed into balls. Take a bit of the mixture and form small balls.
Next, put some pistachio crumbs on a plate and roll the balls well so that the crumbs adhere well, and serve.
Storage and Tips for Ricotta and Zucchini Balls
Ricotta and zucchini balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 1 or 2 days in a container with a lid.
FAQ Questions and Answers for Ricotta and Zucchini Balls
What can I substitute for pistachio crumbs?
You can alternatively use hazelnut crumbs.
