How to Make Eggplant Rollatini: A Step-by-Step Guide
Eggplant rollatini is a classic Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced eggplant rolled around a filling of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and basil, then baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. It’s a show-stopping main course that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making eggplant rollatini from scratch.
Preparation is Key
Before you start rolling, you’ll need to prepare your eggplant and filling. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Eggplant: 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- Filling: 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 egg, beaten
- Sauce: 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil: for brushing the eggplant
- Salt: for seasoning the eggplant
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the eggplant slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush both sides of the eggplant with olive oil and season with salt.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Beat in the egg until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Rollatini
To assemble the rollatini, lay an eggplant slice flat on a work surface. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the eggplant slice, leaving a 1-inch border around the filling.
Rolling the Rollatini
Roll the eggplant slice over the filling, starting from the long side closest to you. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and filling.
Step 4: Place the Rollatini in the Baking Dish
Place the rolled eggplant slices seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. You should be able to fit 8-10 rollatini in the dish.
Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Spread the marinara sauce over the top of the rollatini, making sure they’re all coated evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
Step 6: Bake the Rollatini
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips and Variations
- To reduce the prep time, you can use store-bought eggplant slices or buy pre-sliced eggplant from a grocery store.
- Add some heat to your rollatini by sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the top of the cheese before baking.
- Use different types of cheese in your filling, such as goat cheese or feta cheese, for a unique flavor.
- Add some texture to your rollatini by sprinkling some chopped breadcrumbs or chopped fresh parsley over the top of the cheese before baking.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1 rollatini):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
Conclusion
Eggplant rollatini is a delicious and impressive Italian dish that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners. By following these simple steps, you can create a show-stopping main course that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.