Eggplant Rollatini: A Classic Italian Delight

Name: Baked Eggplant Rollatini: A Classic Italian Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large eggplant; 2 cups of ricotta cheese; 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups of marinara sauce; 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Dive into the flavors of Italy with our Eggplant Rollatini recipe. Discover the rich, cheesy goodness of this classic Italian dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Italian Cuisine

June 13, 2023

Difficulty Medium

Servings 4-6 people

Preparation 30 mins

Cooking 25 mins

Total 55 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

2 large eggplant
2 cups of ricotta cheese
1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cups of marinara sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Sprinkle it with salt and set it aside for 15 minutes.
Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry. Grill or broil the slices until they are tender and lightly browned.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture on one end of each eggplant slice. Roll up the slices and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
Top the eggplant rolls with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Homemade Marinara Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 chopped medium onion
4 cloves of finely chopped garlic
6 ounces of tomato paste
1/4 cup of dry red wine
28 ounces of crushed tomato
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Homemade Marinara Sauce Directions

To make this gorgeous marinara sauce at home, start by adding 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a large saucepan and heat it on medium-high heat.

Then add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes or until soft, stirring frequently.

Add finely chopped garlic and canned tomato paste to the sautéed onions and cook for about a minute while stirring constantly.

Pour in the red wine and cook for another whole minute while stirring constantly.

Then add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and gently boil for an hour, stirring occasionally.

Once the sauce has cooked for an entire hour, take it off the heat and either serve warm immediately or store it for later.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Baked Eggplant Rollatini: A Classic Italian Delight

Serves 4-6

Amount Per Serving

Calories250

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14.6 g18.7%

Protein 20 g40%

Cholesterol 70 mg23.3%

Sodium 867 mg37.7%

Potassium 727 mg15.5%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

Choose eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size. They should have smooth, shiny skin and no soft spots.
Slice the eggplant evenly. Slice the eggplant lengthwise into thin slices, about ¼-inch thick. To ensure even cooking, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve consistent thickness.
Salt and drain the eggplant slices. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. Salting the eggplant slices before cooking helps to draw out any bitterness. Rinse the slices with water and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
You can use either homemade or store-bought Marinara sauce for this recipe.
You can add some spinach or minced meat to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Rate This Recipe

Eggplant Rollatini, a traditional Italian dish, is a delightful combination of tender eggplant, rich ricotta cheese, and tangy marinara sauce. This dish, originating from the southern regions of Italy, is a testament to the Italian love for vegetables and cheese. It's a perfect main course for a family dinner or a party.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowls

Cutting Board

Grater

Chef Knife

The History of Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is a dish that truly showcases the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine. The use of eggplant in Italian cooking dates back to the Middle Ages, and dishes like Eggplant Rollatini have become staples in Italian households and restaurants. The dish is particularly popular in southern Italy, where eggplants grow abundantly.

What Is The Difference Between Eggplant Parmesan and Eggplant Rollatini?

Eggplant Parmesan and Eggplant Rollatini are both classic Italian dishes that feature eggplant and cheese. The main difference lies in the preparation and presentation. Eggplant Parmesan is typically made by layering slices of eggplant with cheese and tomato sauce, then baking them. Eggplant Rollatini, on the other hand, involves rolling up slices of eggplant that have been filled with cheese and then baking them with tomato sauce.

What Is An Eggplant Rollatini Made Of?

Eggplant Rollatini is made of thinly sliced eggplant that is often grilled or broiled, then rolled up with a filling of ricotta cheese. The rolls are then placed in a baking dish, topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

What To Serve with Eat Eggplant Rollatini?

Eggplant Rollatini can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including salad, garlic bread, or pasta. It can also be enjoyed on its own, as it is a hearty and satisfying dish.

Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Eggplant Rollatini:

How Do You Keep Eggplant Parmesan From Getting Soggy?

While this question is about Eggplant Parmesan, the answer also applies to Eggplant Rollatini. To prevent the eggplant from getting soggy, it's important to draw out the excess moisture before cooking. This can be done by salting the eggplant slices and letting them sit for about 15 minutes, then rinsing and patting them dry. Also, grilling or broiling the eggplant slices before rolling can help reduce sogginess.

More on Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is a dish that truly showcases the versatility of eggplant. The eggplant slices, when grilled or broiled, develop a smoky flavor and a tender texture that beautifully complement the rich, creamy ricotta filling. The marinara sauce adds a tangy contrast, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is a testament to the Italian knack for transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

The beauty of Eggplant Rollatini lies not just in its flavors, but also in its presentation. The rolled-up eggplant slices, filled with creamy cheese and topped with bubbling mozzarella and marinara sauce, make for an impressive sight. This dish is sure to be a hit at dinner parties and family gatherings. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

While Eggplant Rollatini is a classic Italian dish, it's also a great canvas for experimentation. You can add spinach or minced meat to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for the filling. The possibilities are endless. So, don your apron, fire up the oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with Eggplant Rollatini.

For more delicious Italian recipes, check out these links on petitegourmets.com:

Recipe byPetite Gourmets