Description
These creamy ricotta eggplant roll-ups are a delightful vegetarian dish that features tender baked eggplant slices filled with a luscious mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, fresh basil, and garlic. Drizzled with olive oil and baked to perfection, they make an impressive appetizer or light main course that will wow every bite with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant Roll-Ups
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten (for binding filling)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Eggplant: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Lay them on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes until tender but still pliable for rolling.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Remove the roasted eggplant slices from the oven and let them cool slightly. Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta mixture onto one end of each eggplant slice, then gently roll up the slice to enclose the filling.
- Bake Final Dish: Place the assembled roll-ups seam side down on a baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil on top. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until the cheese filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or light entrée.
Notes
- You can lightly salt the eggplant slices before roasting and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness, then pat dry.
- Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture; part-skim is also acceptable but less rich.
- These roll-ups can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Try adding a layer of marinara sauce on the baking dish for a more Italian-inspired twist.
