A home-cooked meal brings comfort, especially when it tastes delicious and warms your heart. I fell in love with eggplant rollatini one summer in Italy. Walking through Rome’s streets, I found a small family restaurant hidden away. The smell of roasted eggplant and marinara sauce caught me.
In that place, I tasted this vegetarian Italian wonder for the first time. The mix of creamy ricotta, fresh marinara, and tender eggplant was perfect. It filled me with culinary happiness. Eggplant rollatini has since been a favorite in my home. It’s not only delicious but healthy and baked, which I prefer.
This dish is a great way to eat more veggies while enjoying Italian flavors. Whether you’re experienced or new to cooking, making eggplant rollatini is fun and rewarding. Follow my steps to create this baked masterpiece. Soon, you’ll enjoy the incredible taste that I discovered in Italy.
Why I Love Eggplant Rollatini
I fell in love with eggplant rollatini during a trip to Italy. It’s a favorite Italian vegetarian dish that has tender eggplant, creamy cheeses, and savory sauce. This dish can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side.
It’s made with eggplant that’s seasoned and baked just right. Inside, it’s filled with delicious ricotta, Romano, and mozzarella cheeses. Fresh basil is added for an aromatic finish.
“Italian cuisine is so diverse, and eggplant rollatini stands out as a true representation of comfort food,” I often share this sentiment with fellow food enthusiasts.
When I make eggplant rollatini at home, I add my own healthy twists, inspired by Italy. Sometimes, I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for an authentic taste. Also, salting the eggplant before frying it takes away extra moisture and bitterness.
Making this dish is not just about taste. It’s also about bringing Italy into your home with sights, smells, and memories. I use fire-roasted tomatoes for the marinara sauce and top it with parmesan and basil. It’s like having a piece of Italy in your kitchen.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calorie content | 337 kcal |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 539mg |
| Potassium | 733mg |
Ingredients for the Perfect Rollatini
To make the best Eggplant Rollatini, start by picking the right ingredients. I prefer using globe or Italian eggplants. They’re the perfect size and taste. Look for firm, less bitter eggplants that weigh about 1.5 lbs (680g). This size ensures they cook evenly. Bake them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This brings out their flavors without frying.
The filling is crucial. It uses whole milk ricotta cheese (10 oz or 280g). You can use 2% ricotta if you like. Mix in a cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/3 cup (30g) of Parmesan cheese. These cheeses create a creamy, rich taste. An optional large egg can help mix everything nicely. Use 8 oz (225g) of thawed and drained frozen spinach. But, fresh spinach cooked down adds more flavor.
For authentic Italian taste, add fresh Italian seasoning. Use 1 teaspoon of a homemade blend or store-bought Italian seasoning. Include 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/4 cup of freshly chopped basil. Adding salt and pepper, with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, makes the filling taste better.
The marinara sauce is key. I choose Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce for its true taste. You need 2 cups (about 240ml) to cover the rollatini. Drizzle some Rao’s Homemade Limited Reserve Extra-Virgin Olive Oil on top for fragrance.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential eggplant rollatini ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Globe Eggplants | 1.5 lbs (680g) |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese | 10 oz (280g) |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Frozen Spinach | 8 oz (225g), thawed and drained |
| Fresh Basil | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Rao’s Marinara Sauce | 2 cups |
| Rao’s Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | Optional drizzle |
With these fresh ingredients, your Eggplant Rollatini will taste amazing. It will also reflect Italian culinary traditions beautifully.
How to Make Eggplant Rollatini at Home
Making Eggplant Rollatini at your house is both fun and fancy. It all begins with prepping the eggplant. Slice it into 1/8-inch slices. A mandoline slicer works best for even cuts. Then, salt the slices well and let them sit for 30 minutes. This step helps remove moisture and bitterness, improving their texture.
First, turn your oven on to 375°F. Wash off the salt from the eggplant slices and dry them. Bake them for 15 minutes. They should be soft and bendy. During this time, mix up the cheese filling. In a bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, Parmesan, an egg, and fresh basil. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mix will be the yummy heart of your rollatini.
Now, get ready to roll. Place each eggplant slice flat and add a big spoonful of cheese on one end. Roll it up snugly. Pour some marinara sauce in a baking dish and arrange the rolls with the seam down. Add more sauce on top and a big handful of mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Then, bake 10 more minutes uncovered to get it golden and bubbly. Let it cool a bit before eating. This tasty dish is great with Caesar salad or pasta. It truly shines in vegetarian Italian cuisine at home.
FAQ
What is Eggplant Rollatini?
Eggplant Rollatini is an Italian vegetarian dish. It has roasted eggplant slices filled with cheeses and spinach. These are rolled up and baked in marinara sauce.
What type of eggplant should I use for making Eggplant Rollatini?
Use globe or Italian eggplants for this recipe. They’re big and tasty, perfect for slicing and roasting.
Can I use a different cheese mixture in the filling?
Yes, you can try other cheeses instead of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Just keep the filling flavorful and creamy.
Is it necessary to salt the eggplant slices before roasting?
Definitely. Salting draws out moisture for better texture. It stops the dish from being too watery.
Can I prepare Eggplant Rollatini in advance?
For sure! Assemble the rolls and chill them until baking time. It’s perfect for saving time or party prep.
Is it possible to freeze Eggplant Rollatini?
Yes, you can freeze it. Bake and cool before freezing. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try adding bell peppers or mushrooms. Or, serve it with steamed veggies for more nutrition.
What should I look for in a marinara sauce?
Choose a sauce that’s rich in flavor. Avoid too much sugar or preservatives for a fresh, healthy taste.
Can Eggplant Rollatini be made vegan?
Yes, use vegan cheese and a flax egg to make it vegan.
What should I serve with Eggplant Rollatini?
Serve it as a main dish with a green salad, garlic bread, or pasta. It’s also great as an appetizer.
Passionate about cuisine and IT!
