Eggplant Rollatini is like a warm hug in food form, with its layers of tender eggplant wrapped around creamy ricotta, all smothered in rich tomato sauce. The first bite transports you to an Italian kitchen, where the aroma of garlic and herbs fills the air, promising a culinary experience that dances on your taste buds. nutritious quinoa frittata.
Imagine gathering around the table with family or friends, laughter echoing as you savor this delightful dish. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, Eggplant Rollatini is sure to impress and create cherished memories. For more inspiration, check out this orange custard squares recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Eggplant Rollatini recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for entertaining guests
- The blend of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- With its vibrant colors and hearty textures, it looks stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, this dish is versatile enough to suit any palate
I still remember the first time I made Eggplant Rollatini for my friends; they were blown away by how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Eggplants: Choose medium-sized eggplants; they’ll be easier to slice and roll.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it’s worth every calorie!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor that enhances each bite.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara will elevate this dish; consider homemade for extra love.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of fresh basil leaves brings brightness and freshness to each roll.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the filling together, giving it structure.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and frying the eggplants.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. stuffed bell peppers recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Eggplants: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick. Lay them on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Cook the Eggplants: After 15 minutes, rinse off the salt and pat dry each strip. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and arrange on another baking sheet. Roast in your preheated oven until they’re golden brown and tender—about 20 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
Create the Filling: While waiting for those eggplants to roast, mix ricotta cheese, half of your parmesan cheese, an egg, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. This filling should feel creamy yet firm—just right for rolling.
Assemble the Rollatini: Once your eggplants are cool enough to handle, spoon about two tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto one end of each strip. Gently roll up each strip from one end to the other and place seam-side down in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
Add Sauce & Bake: Top your assembled rollatini with more marinara sauce and sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over everything like confetti on a cake. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to let that cheese get bubbly!
Serve & Enjoy!: Once out of the oven, let your Eggplant Rollatini cool slightly before serving; this helps everything set beautifully! Garnish with fresh basil leaves for flair—and wow factor when you serve it!
Cooking is often about bringing people together around food that warms not just their bellies but their hearts too! Enjoy this wonderful dish as you share stories at dinner time or celebrate special occasions with loved ones—you won’t regret it!
You Must Know
- Eggplant Rollatini is a delightful dish that combines flavors and textures beautifully
- The creamy ricotta filling and the tender eggplant create an unforgettable experience
- Don’t skimp on the sauce; it elevates the dish and ensures a rich, delicious bite every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the eggplant slices until tender, then prepare your filling while they cool. This sequence saves time and ensures everything comes together seamlessly, making your kitchen feel like a well-oiled machine.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the ricotta with cottage cheese or add spinach for a veggie boost. Experimenting with herbs like basil or oregano can elevate your Eggplant Rollatini, making it uniquely yours. savory egg muffins variation delicious grilled cheese pairing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Eggplant Rollatini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain its delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly rolled Eggplant Rollatini, ensure your eggplant slices are thin enough to bend without breaking
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor and always taste your filling before stuffing!
- A little extra seasoning can make a big difference
Cooking Eggplant Rollatini reminds me of family gatherings, where my cousins and I would compete to see who could roll them the tightest. Spoiler alert: we all ended up with messy hands and laughter instead.
FAQ
Can I make Eggplant Rollatini ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day before and bake it when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or vegan cream cheese work well as substitutes for ricotta.
How do I prevent eggplant from becoming soggy?
Salting the eggplant before cooking helps draw out moisture, ensuring it stays firm.
Eggplant Rollatini
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Eggplant Rollatini offers a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine, featuring tender eggplant slices wrapped around a creamy ricotta filling and bathed in rich marinara sauce. This dish is perfect for both cozy weeknight dinners and festive gatherings, sure to impress with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, Eggplant Rollatini promises to create cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick). Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse and pat dry the eggplant strips. Brush lightly with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- While roasting, mix ricotta, half of the Parmesan, egg, chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
- Once cooled, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto one end of each eggplant strip and roll up tightly. Place seam-side down in a baking dish coated with marinara sauce.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil during the last 10 minutes for bubbling cheese.
- Let cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rollatini (200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating spinach into the ricotta filling or using different herbs like oregano. Leftover rollatini can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
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