Description
Delicate eggplant slices rolled up with a luscious filling of creamy ricotta, sautéed spinach, and herbs, then baked in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting and elegant vegetarian dish.
Ingredients
- Eggplants: 2 large, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices — these serve as the base for the roll-ups.
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 1/2 cups — provides the creamy, rich filling.
- Fresh Spinach: 4 cups — adds vibrant green color and earthy depth to the filling.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/3 cup, grated — brings a salty, nutty touch to the ricotta mix.
- Egg: 1 large — helps bind the filling together.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced — infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons — used for brushing eggplant slices and sautéing spinach.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon — enhances the overall flavor.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon — adds a subtle kick to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: 2 cups — the luscious base for baking the roll-ups.
- Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped — for garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil it.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly grease a baking dish and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Assemble the Dish: Grill or roast eggplant slices until soft and flexible. Place a spoonful of ricotta mixture on each slice and roll it up. Arrange roll-ups seam side down in the prepared dish.
- Cook to Perfection: Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the top and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Finishing Touches: Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the roll-ups warm with a side salad or crusty bread and savor every bite.
Notes
- Brush eggplant slices lightly with olive oil before roasting to prevent dryness.
- Let the ricotta mixture sit for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors before assembling.
- You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce depending on time.