I recently saw a segment on “Rachael” the featured a White Ziti and I was intrigued immediately! I decided to tweak the ingredients just a bit in order to make a grain-free, low carb Ziti.
KetoNurses Grain-Free Fake Ziti Recipe
2-3 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
5-6 cloves of garlic (1 bulb works)
10-16 ounces thawed chopped spinach
ground nutmeg (optional)
salt & pepper to taste
2-3 zuchinni, sliced thinly
16-24 ounces ricotta
16-24 ounces grated parmiagiano-reggiano
16 ounces shredded mozzarella
Start by coating the baking dish with butter or oil and preheat oven at 350 degrees. Set baking dish aside while combining ingredients. Heat oil over medium heat, stirring in garlic, spinach, & nutmeg. Heat and stir for about 2 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. Salt & pepper to taste.
Add sliced zuchinni, ricotta, & parm. Mix well and turn out into greased baking dish. Top with grated/shredded mozzarella and bake in oven until some of the top begins to brown. Using smaller quantities allows for smaller dish & less baking time; an 8×8 dish will be done in about 30 minutes, whereas a 9×13 dish will require about 50 minutes.
Options: Brown 8-16 ounces of ground beef or pork sausage and add to heated mixture. I made my version with a pound of ground beef because my hubby refused to eat it without meat. LOL
This dish is a very flexible base and I hope to try developing a few other options over the next few months. It offers a power pack of nutrients including iron, protein & multiple vitamins essential for good health.
I have really enjoyed learning to use “zoodles” in place of grain-based noodles; using zuchinni in place of typical noodles also significantly improves nutrient content, & that is vital for improving health. Zoodles are also a fun way to get kids to eat more vegetables!!
Fake-Ziti is quick and easy to make, and can be made ahead and saved in serving size portions for use later in the week. Smaller portions also make terrific appetizers for pot lucks or parties.
Add a colorful salad and serve – so quick and easy to provide a highly nutrition meal for your family.
Rachael recommended a nice white wine to accompany her Ziti; I’m not much of a wine chic, so I’ll just have to take her word for it. LOL
Please share your photos and experiences making our Ziti on our KetoNurses Facebook page or tag me on Instagram; I’m KetoNurseJen.
Happy Low Carbing!
KetoNurses 