Eggplant rolls offer a delightful twist on classic Italian cuisine, transforming humble eggplant into elegant, flavor-packed appetizers or a light yet satisfying main course. These savory rolls boast a beautiful presentation, making them perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. Imagine tender slices of eggplant, expertly roasted to achieve a smoky sweetness, then layered with a vibrant mixture of fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and creamy ricotta cheese. The combination of textures and tastes creates a symphony of flavor in every bite.
The magic of this recipe lies in the simple yet effective technique of creating perfectly pliable eggplant slices that easily roll up to encapsulate the delicious filling. Ready to create your own culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the detailed step-by-step process to make these irresistible eggplant rolls.
Tools Needed
- Grill pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- Eggplant
- Salt
- Crushed pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic: 2 tablespoons
- Chopped onions: 2 tablespoons
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Pine nuts
- Italian mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese (or paneer)
- Basil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Eggplant and Sauce
- Cut the eggplant into thin slices. Season both sides with salt, crushed pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Grill the slices.
Step 2. Make the Filling and Assemble the Rolls
- Combine chopped pine nuts, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese (or paneer), basil, pepper, and salt.
- Spread some sauce on a baking dish. Fill each eggplant slice with stuffing, ensuring not to overfill. Arrange the rolls on the baking dish, layering with more sauce.
Step 3. Add Finishing Touches and Bake
- Sprinkle remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese over the rolls.
- Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees for 7-8 minutes.
Step 4. Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce
- Heat olive oil, add garlic and onions, cook until golden brown. Add cherry tomatoes, sugar, pepper, salt, and water. Simmer until tomatoes are cooked.
Read more: Classic Beef Spiedini: Italian-Style Kebabs Recipe
Tips
- Season the eggplant well on both sides.
- In Italian cooking, onions and garlic are cooked until golden brown.
- The stuffing should not be too much, otherwise the eggplants will burst.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 20-30g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I make the eggplant rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the eggplant and prepare the filling a day in advance. Assemble the rolls just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. What can I substitute for the ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, you can use a similar creamy cheese like mascarpone or even a well-drained mixture of cottage cheese and cream cheese.
These grilled eggplant rolls offer a stunning and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special weeknight meal. The simple yet elegant combination of flavors and textures makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients and prepare to savor the delicious taste of Italy in every bite!