Description
Perfectly roasted eggplant slices wrap around a luscious ricotta-spinach filling, creating a dish that balances both health and flavor effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and lightly sautéed
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups marinara or crushed tomatoes with basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by laying your eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each piece with olive oil and sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Roast these in the oven for approximately 15–20 minutes, until they are tender but not overly soft. This step is crucial to ensure the eggplant wraps neatly around the filling without breaking.
- While the eggplant roasts, tackle the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, sautéed spinach, beaten egg, minced garlic, and oregano. Mix these ingredients until they are well incorporated, forming a rich and flavorful filling.
- Once your eggplant slices cool enough to handle, place about 1–2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture at the wider end of each slice. Gently roll each strip up, making sure to secure it tightly. Arrange these rolls seam-side down in a baking dish where you’ve spread a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce as the base.
- Pour the rest of the marinara sauce generously over the arranged eggplant rolls. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring every roll is covered. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. After baking, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving, so that the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
Consider blending the ricotta filling with a hand mixer for a smoother consistency. Ensure eggplant slices aren’t too thin, preventing tearing during the rolling process.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Sodium: Moderate, adjust salt to personal taste
- Protein: 18 g