Description
Savory cheesy eggplant rolls promise a Mediterranean culinary journey with rich, layered flavors. Crispy eggplant embraces creamy cheese and herbs, delivering a delightful experience that will transport you straight to a rustic Italian kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 0.25 inches (0.64 centimeters) rounds
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese and Egg Mixture:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried), chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
- 0.5 cup marinara sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 375F (190C), creating an ideal roasting environment.
- Transform eggplants into delicate rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick, then generously season with salt to extract excess moisture. Allow the slices to rest for 10-15 minutes before thoroughly dabbing them dry with paper towels.
- Coat eggplant rounds with a light layer of olive oil, then transfer to a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
- Create a luxurious cheese blend by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, fragrant basil, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- After the eggplant slices cool slightly, carefully spread the cheese mixture along one edge of each slice, then gently roll into compact cylinders.
- Position the rolled eggplant parcels seam-side down in a baking dish, optionally draping them with a rich marinara sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Bake the assembled rolls for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust, signaling their delectable readiness.
Notes
- Sweat eggplant slices with salt to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy rolls and ensuring a crisp texture.
- Choose firmer, medium-sized eggplants for more consistent and easier-to-roll slices that hold their shape perfectly.
- Experiment with alternative cheeses like goat cheese or vegan cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
- For a low-carb version, skip marinara sauce and replace with a light herb-infused olive oil drizzle to keep the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg