Eggplant Rollatini (Recipe)

Welcome to our delicious Eggplant Rollatini recipe! If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine and looking for a flavorful dish to impress your friends and family, you’ve come to the right place. Eggplant Rollatini is a classic Italian dish that features thin slices of eggplant filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, rolled up, and topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more!

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to make a crowd-pleasing Eggplant Rollatini dish at home.
• Discover the key ingredients required for this recipe, including eggplant, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, spaghetti sauce, and bread crumbs.
• Follow our step-by-step instructions to ensure the perfect result.
• Explore different tips and variations to customize your Eggplant Rollatini.
• Understand the nutritional information and the differences between Eggplant Rollatini and Eggplant Parmesan.

Ingredients for Eggplant Rollatini

To make Eggplant Rollatini, you will need the following ingredients:

• Eggplant
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Prosciutto
• Spaghetti sauce
• Bread crumbs

These ingredients come together to create a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. The eggplant provides a hearty base, while the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses add a creamy and cheesy element. The prosciutto adds a savory and smoky flavor, and the spaghetti sauce ties it all together with its rich and tangy taste. Finally, the bread crumbs give the dish a nice crunch and texture.

How to Make Eggplant Rollatini

In order to create a delicious Eggplant Rollatini dish, you’ll need to follow a step-by-step recipe. This multi-step process involves several key stages, all of which contribute to the amazing flavors and textures of the final result. Let’s dive into the details!

Prep Time

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready and prepped. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure that everything comes together smoothly. The prep time for Eggplant Rollatini is approximately 30 minutes.

Cook Time

The cook time for Eggplant Rollatini may vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the eggplant slices and the temperature of your oven. On average, the cook time is around 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish as it bakes to achieve that perfectly golden crust.

Total Time

The total time required to make Eggplant Rollatini, including both the prep and cook time, is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Slice the eggplant into thin rounds and lightly salt them, allowing them to sit for about 30 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture.
2. While the eggplant is resting, prepare the ricotta mixture by combining ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, and minced garlic in a bowl.
3. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Dip each eggplant slice into beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Coat the eggplant slices with breadcrumbs, making sure to completely cover each side.
6. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the coated eggplant slices until they turn golden brown on each side. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any excess oil.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
9. Take an eggplant slice and place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture onto one end. Roll it up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
10. Repeat this process with the remaining eggplant slices, arranging them side by side in the baking dish.
11. Once all the rollatini are assembled in the dish, pour more spaghetti sauce over the top, covering them generously.
12. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
13. Bake the Eggplant Rollatini in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

And there you have it! Your homemade Eggplant Rollatini is ready to be enjoyed. The combination of crispy eggplant, creamy ricotta filling, and flavorful tomato sauce is simply irresistible. Serve it as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations for Eggplant Rollatini

If you’re looking to elevate your Eggplant Rollatini game, here are some tips and variations to try:

1. Add Fresh Basil

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh basil to the ricotta filling. The aromatic herb will complement the creamy texture of the cheese and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

2. Use Partially Cooked Bacon

To add a smoky and savory twist to your Eggplant Rollatini, try using partially cooked bacon as one of the fillings. It will infuse the dish with a delightful combination of flavors and add a satisfying crunch to each bite.

3. Serve with a Side Salad

While Eggplant Rollatini is delicious on its own, serving it with a side salad can make it a complete and well-rounded meal. Opt for a fresh garden salad or a light Caesar salad to add some crispness and freshness to the dish.

4. Freezing and Leftovers

If you want to make Eggplant Rollatini ahead of time or have leftovers, here are a couple of suggestions:

• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled Eggplant Rollatini before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it as per the recipe instructions.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover Eggplant Rollatini, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and enjoy!

5. Tips for Perfect Eggplant Rollatini

• Selecting eggplant: Choose firm and shiny eggplants with no soft spots. Slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking.
• Salt and drain the eggplant: Sprinkle salt on the sliced eggplant and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry before using.
• Frying the eggplant: Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown to achieve a crispy texture. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• Choosing cheese: Use high-quality ricotta and mozzarella cheeses for the best creamy and melty texture.
• Baking time: Bake the assembled rollatini until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.

By incorporating these tips and variations, you can create your own unique spin on the classic Eggplant Rollatini and make it a standout dish.

Nutritional Information for Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is a relatively healthy dish that can be enjoyed guilt-free. Each serving of this delicious Italian recipe provides a balanced combination of essential nutrients.

Eggplant Rollatini is not only flavorful but also packed with vitamins and minerals. With this nutritional profile, it can be a satisfying and nutritious choice for a well-rounded meal.

Note: The nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Eggplant Parmesan vs. Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Parmesan and Eggplant Rollatini are both popular Italian dishes that feature eggplant as the main ingredient. While they share similarities, such as the use of eggplant and cheese, the main difference lies in the preparation method.

Eggplant Parmesan is layered with breaded and fried eggplant slices, creating a crispy and savory dish. The eggplant slices are typically coated in bread crumbs and herbs before being fried to perfection. The layers of fried eggplant are then topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

On the other hand, Eggplant Rollatini involves rolling thinly sliced eggplant with a ricotta filling. The eggplant slices are lightly fried or baked before being filled with a mixture of creamy ricotta cheese, herbs, and sometimes spinach. The rolled eggplant slices are then topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese before being baked until the cheese is golden and melted.

Differences between Eggplant Parmesan and Eggplant Rollatini:

• Eggplant Parmesan is layered with fried breaded eggplant slices, while Eggplant Rollatini involves rolling the eggplant with a ricotta filling.
• Eggplant Parmesan has a crispy texture, while Eggplant Rollatini has a creamy and tender texture.
• Eggplant Parmesan is typically served in slices, while Eggplant Rollatini is served as individual rolled pieces.

Similarities between Eggplant Parmesan and Eggplant Rollatini:

• Both dishes feature eggplant and cheese as key ingredients.
• Both dishes are topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese.
• Both dishes are delicious and popular Italian recipes.

Both Eggplant Parmesan and Eggplant Rollatini are mouthwatering dishes that showcase the versatility of eggplant. Whether you prefer the crispy layers of Eggplant Parmesan or the creamy texture of Eggplant Rollatini, both options offer a delightful combination of flavors. Give them a try and savor the taste of Italy!

Conclusion

Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious and satisfying Italian dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its blend of tender eggplant, creamy ricotta cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, this recipe brings the authentic taste of Italy right to your home. Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or simply love a good meal, Eggplant Rollatini offers a tasty and healthy option.

By following the detailed recipe provided, you’ll be able to recreate this crowd-pleasing dish in your own kitchen. The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve the perfect result. So why not give it a try and savor the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine?

Make Eggplant Rollatini the star of your next dinner party or family gathering. Its combination of rich flavors and comforting textures is sure to leave everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds. So put on your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy with Eggplant Rollatini.