Delicious Eggplant Rollatini: A Comfort Food Delight

Imagine a dish that wraps creamy ricotta, zesty marinara, and perfectly roasted eggplant into a warm embrace of flavor. Eggplant Rollatini not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with aromas that could start a neighborhood food fight over who gets to take the first bite. Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes Spaghetti with Burst Cherry Tomatoes This is comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy family dinners or an impressive gathering with friends. Zesty Salsa with Fresh Tomatoes

Now, let me take you back to my childhood kitchen, where I first witnessed the magical transformation of humble eggplants into delectable rollatini. My nonna would often whip up this dish on chilly Sunday afternoons, her laughter filling the air as she rolled each slice with care and a sprinkle of love. The anticipation was palpable, and you could practically hear my stomach growl in agreement.

I still remember the first time I made Eggplant Rollatini for friends. They were dazzled by the flavors and asked for seconds—success! For more inspiration, check out this Orange Custard Squares recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Eggplants: Choose medium-sized eggplants for easy slicing; look for firm ones with shiny skin.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it makes all the difference in texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; quality matters for flavor enhancement.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings a nutty essence; avoid pre-grated versions if possible.
• Fresh Basil: Adds aromatic freshness and brightens the dish; chop it finely before mixing into the cheese. Italian Basil Chicken Cutlets.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for roasting; it enhances flavors while keeping things healthy.

For seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: Essential to enhance all flavors; season generously but taste as you go.
• Garlic Powder: A dash adds depth without overpowering; feel free to adjust based on your garlic love level. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

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 each eggplant lengthwise into thin strips about ¼ inch thick to create perfect rollatini layers. Lay them out on a baking sheet.

Season and Roast the Eggplants: Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant slices and sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until they become tender and slightly golden.

Create Your Ricotta Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with freshly chopped basil, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined—this creamy goodness will be worth every bite!

Assemble Your Rollatini: Take one roasted eggplant slice at a time and place a generous spoonful of ricotta mixture at one end. Roll it up carefully like you’re tucking in a baby burrito—no pressure!

Add Marinara Sauce: Spread some marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish—this prevents sticking! Then place each filled rollatini seam-side down into the sauce like soldiers ready for battle.

Bake to Perfection!: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top of rollatini and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to let those cheesy edges get golden brown.

Enjoying Eggplant Rollatini is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket after being out in the cold—it’s pure comfort food. So grab your fork and dig in!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting your eggplant slices until they’re tender. While they cool, prepare your ricotta filling and marinara sauce to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Try spinach instead of basil or add some spicy red pepper flakes for a kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.

The first time I made Eggplant Rollatini, I served it at a family gathering. Everyone raved about it, especially my aunt who could hardly believe it was vegetarian!

FAQ

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in Eggplant Rollatini?

Cottage cheese or a vegan alternative works well if you want a different texture.

Can I make Eggplant Rollatini ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking for later enjoyment.

Is it possible to freeze Eggplant Rollatini?

Yes, you can freeze assembled rollatini; just ensure proper wrapping to avoid freezer burn.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Eggplant Rollatini

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Eggplant Rollatini is a comforting Italian dish that envelops creamy ricotta and flavorful marinara sauce in tender roasted eggplant slices. This delightful recipe offers a perfect blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions. With customizable filling options, it appeals to various dietary preferences while ensuring satisfaction at the dining table.

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Ingredients

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• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplants lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips.
2. Arrange eggplant slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast for 20 minutes until tender and golden.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped basil, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Take an eggplant slice, place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture at one end, and roll it up tightly.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place each rollatini seam-side down in the dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 rollatini (250g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 50mg