Eggplant Rollatini is a classic Italian dish featuring thinly sliced eggplant rolled around a rich ricotta cheese filling, baked in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella. This dish is flavorful, comforting, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch thick pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Lay the eggplant slices on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.
Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes until tender. Let them cool.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, ½ cup mozzarella, egg, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Place 1-2 tablespoons of ricotta mixture on each eggplant slice and roll tightly. Arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 220
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 13g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 20% Daily Value

What Is Eggplant Rollatini?

Eggplant Rollatini, also known as “Involtini di Melanzane” in Italian, is a traditional baked dish made by rolling thin slices of eggplant around a creamy ricotta cheese filling. The rolls are then smothered in marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection. The result is a tender, cheesy, and savory dish with layers of flavor that meld together beautifully.

Although it is often mistaken for Eggplant Parmesan, Eggplant Rollatini differs in its preparation. Instead of layering eggplant slices like a lasagna, Rollatini involves rolling each slice individually with a filling, creating a visually appealing and easy-to-serve dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eggplant Rollatini is a fantastic dish for many reasons:

Rich and Comforting: The combination of cheese, tomato sauce, and baked eggplant creates a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and light.
Healthy and Nutritious: Eggplant is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a nutritious option, especially for vegetarians.
Perfect for Special Occasions: This dish is elegant enough to serve at dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
Versatile: You can modify the filling with different cheeses, add spinach or mushrooms, or even make a vegan version by substituting dairy-free cheese.
Great for Meal Prep: It stores well and can be made ahead, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.

The Origins of Eggplant Rollatini

While Eggplant Rollatini is commonly associated with Italian-American cuisine, its origins trace back to traditional Italian recipes. The use of eggplant in Italian cooking dates back centuries, particularly in Southern Italy, where eggplants thrive in the Mediterranean climate.

Eggplant-based dishes like “Parmigiana di Melanzane” (Eggplant Parmesan) and “Involtini” (stuffed or rolled foods) have been staples of Italian cuisine for generations. Over time, Italian immigrants brought these recipes to the United States, where they evolved to include ingredients like ricotta and mozzarella, giving rise to the modern version of Eggplant Rollatini that we know and love today.

Tips for Making the Perfect Eggplant Rollatini

Choose the Right Eggplant: Look for medium-sized eggplants with smooth, shiny skin and no blemishes. Smaller eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
Salt the Eggplant: Sprinkling salt on eggplant slices and letting them sit for about 15 minutes helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking.
Pre-Cook the Slices: Baking or lightly frying the eggplant before assembling the rollatini ensures they are soft and easy to roll.
Use High-Quality Cheese: Fresh ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Overstuff the Rolls: Adding just the right amount of filling ensures that the eggplant rolls stay intact while baking.
Cover While Baking: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking helps the eggplant rolls cook evenly and stay moist. Removing the foil toward the end allows the cheese to melt and become golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Eggplant Rollatini is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving:

With Pasta: Serve alongside spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne tossed with olive oil and garlic.
With a Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or Caesar salad complements the richness of the dish.
With Garlic Bread: A crispy slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce.
As Part of an Italian Feast: Pair it with other Italian classics like stuffed shells, lasagna, or a hearty minestrone soup.

Variations and Substitutions

If you want to put a unique spin on Eggplant Rollatini, try some of these variations:

Vegan Version: Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your marinara sauce and cheese are gluten-free. Some people also like to use almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Spinach and Ricotta Filling: Adding sautéed spinach to the ricotta mixture gives the dish an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Mushroom and Herb Filling: Chopped mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs make a delicious addition to the cheese filling.
Meat Lovers’ Version: Some variations include crumbled sausage or ground beef mixed into the ricotta for added protein and heartiness.

How to Store and Reheat Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Nutritional Benefits of Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants: Eggplants contain anthocyanins, which help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Good Source of Fiber: The fiber in eggplants aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
High in Calcium and Protein: Thanks to the ricotta and Parmesan cheese, this dish provides a good amount of calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health.
Low in Carbs: Unlike traditional pasta dishes, Eggplant Rollatini is a great low-carb alternative, making it suitable for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

Conclusion

Eggplant Rollatini is a true Italian classic that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. Whether you’re an eggplant lover or trying this vegetable for the first time, this dish is bound to become a favorite. It is easy to make, adaptable to different dietary preferences, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions, Eggplant Rollatini is a must-try dish that showcases the best of Italian comfort food. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cheesy, saucy, and tender dish has stood the test of time. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

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