Eggplant Rollatini is an enchanting dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its creamy ricotta filling and rich marinara sauce. Imagine the comforting aroma wafting through your kitchen, making even the pickiest eaters curious about what’s bubbling away in the oven. Tortellini Carbonara Delight.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I use instead of eggplant?
- Can I freeze Eggplant Rollatini?
- How do I make it vegan?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive feasts, Eggplant Rollatini promises an unforgettable flavor experience that will have your guests raving. One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Eggplant Rollatini is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The combination of creamy ricotta and savory marinara creates an explosion of flavors
- Visually stunning, it adds a burst of color to your table
- Versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish, it fits any occasion perfectly
One evening, my cousin took one bite and declared it life-changing—needless to say, we had to make it every family gathering after that!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Eggplants: Look for firm, shiny eggplants without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for a creamier filling; you can also mix in some grated Parmesan for added flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought sauce; either way, ensure it’s packed with garlic and herbs. Pan Seared Steak with Butter Sauce.
- Fresh Basil: Choose bright green leaves; they add a fragrant touch that elevates the dish’s aroma. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Use whole milk mozzarella for a gooey topping that melts beautifully. Peach and Mozzarella Salad.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and sautéing; it adds depth to the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these essentials! They enhance all other flavors in your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Eggplants: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplants lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Bake Until Tender: Arrange eggplant strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them as you don’t want them too mushy.
Create the Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped basil, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until well combined; it should look creamy and inviting.
Assemble the Rollatini: Take one eggplant strip and place about two tablespoons of ricotta filling at one end. Roll tightly but gently. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish; repeat until all strips are filled.
Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over the top of the rollatini. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top generously—more cheese means more happiness!
Bake to Perfection!: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving—everyone will be diving in like hungry piranhas otherwise!
Enjoy your Eggplant Rollatini while reminiscing about family stories or planning your next gathering where you’ll definitely impress everyone again! For more inspiration, check out this orange custard squares recipe.
You Must Know
- Eggplant Rollatini is a delightful Italian dish that’s not only impressive but also easy to prepare
- The creamy filling and rich marinara sauce create a beautiful harmony of flavors
- This dish is perfect for impressing dinner guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by salting the eggplant slices to draw out moisture, then rinse them before roasting. This ensures tenderness and enhances flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta with cottage cheese or add spinach for a nutrient boost. Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for extra pizzazz.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Eggplant Rollatini, always use fresh ingredients for the filling; it makes a world of difference
- Pre-roasting the eggplant enhances its natural sweetness, creating a deliciously rich dish
- Remember to let it sit before serving—flavors meld beautifully!
Cooking this dish brings back fond memories of family dinners where everyone would gather around the table, sharing laughs and stories over plates of cheesy goodness.
FAQ
What can I use instead of eggplant?
Zucchini makes a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Can I freeze Eggplant Rollatini?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking for up to three months.
How do I make it vegan?
Substitute ricotta with tofu blended with nutritional yeast and your favorite herbs.
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📖 Recipe Card
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Eggplant Rollatini
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious Italian dish that features tender eggplant slices filled with creamy ricotta and topped with rich marinara sauce. This comforting recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors, Eggplant Rollatini will impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplants and lightly brush both sides with olive oil; sprinkle with salt.
- Bake eggplant strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes until soft and golden.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with chopped basil, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella until creamy.
- Place about two tablespoons of ricotta filling at one end of each eggplant strip and roll tightly; place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the rollatini and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rollatini (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
