If you’re in the mood for a delightful and hearty dish, Eggplant Rollatini is the perfect recipe to try. This classic Italian dish features thinly sliced eggplant rolled up with a rich ricotta filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. It’s a wonderful option for a vegetarian main course or a delicious appetizer, and it’s easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or a cozy night in, Eggplant Rollatini is sure to impress.
Tips to Make the Eggplant Rollatini Recipe:
1. Choose the Right Eggplant: Pick firm, medium-sized eggplants with shiny skin. Avoid ones with blemishes or soft spots. Fresher eggplants will give a better texture and flavor.
2. Salt the Eggplant Slices: After slicing the eggplant, sprinkle each slice with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This helps to draw out any bitterness and excess moisture. Rinse and pat them dry before cooking.
3. Pre-Cook the Eggplant: Lightly grill or bake the eggplant slices before filling them. This ensures they are tender and pliable enough to roll without breaking.
4. Ricotta Filling: For a smoother, tastier filling, mix ricotta cheese with a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and your favorite herbs like basil and parsley. This provides a creamy and flavorful filling that holds together well.
5. Use Quality Marinara Sauce: To enhance the overall taste, use a high-quality marinara sauce, be it homemade or store-bought. It adds a rich and savory depth to the dish.
With these tips, you’ll surely make a delicious Eggplant Rollatini that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Eggplant Rollatini Recipe?
Eggplant Rollatini Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Grill pan For grilling the eggplant
- 1 Baking dish For baking the rollatini
Ingredients
- 2 large Eggplants Sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices
- 2 cups Ricotta cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated
- 1 cup Marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and brush the eggplant slices with olive oil.
- Grill the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender and grill marks appear.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Place a tablespoon of the ricotta mixture on one end of each grilled eggplant slice and roll it up.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place the rolled eggplant slices seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the eggplant rolls and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving hot.
