Eggplant Rolls

Delicious Iraqi Eggplant Rolls Recipe

Region / culture: Iraq | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Eggplant rolls are a delicious and savory dish that combines the flavors of tender eggplant with flavorful kufta meat patties, all rolled up and baked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or gathering, as it is both impressive and satisfying.

History

Eggplant rolls have roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, where eggplant is a staple ingredient. The combination of eggplant and meat is a classic pairing in many Middle Eastern dishes, and the addition of tomato sauce adds a rich and tangy element to the dish.

Ingredients

Kufta Meat Patties Recipe

For the Kufta meat patties:
1.5 lb (680 g) of lean meat (traditionally lamb or beef)
3 tbsp of flour or breadcrumbs
1 small grated onion
1 grated clove of garlic
0.25 cup of chopped parsley
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of cumin
0.5 tsp of chile peppers, to taste
0.25 tsp of black pepper
0.25 tsp of ginger
0.25 tsp of allspice
For the tomato sauce:
3 medium skinned and diced tomatoes or 1 (15 oz (425 g)) can of diced tomatoes, do not drain
3 tbsp of tomato paste, diluted in 3.5 cup of hot water (or one 6 oz (170 g) can) or 1 cup of tomato sauce diluted in 2.5 cup of hot water
0.5 cup of tomato juice
0.25 cup of coarsely chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp of dried basil
1 tsp of sugar or honey
1 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of black pepper
0.25 cup of parsley, for garnish

How to prepare

Preheat the broiler. Spray or brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil.
Broil the eggplant slices on both sides for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft and browned in spots. They should not be fully cooked.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the kufta. Knead the mixture briefly.
Divide the kufta mixture into 18 pieces and shape each piece into an elongated, oval-shaped patty, approximately 3.5 inches long.
Broil the kufta patties, turning once, for about 10 minutes, or until they are browned on both sides. They do not need to be fully cooked.
Take a spread eggplant slice and place a kufta patty crosswise at one end.
Roll up the eggplant slice around the kufta patty. Traditionally, you can secure the roll by tying it with a parsley stalk softened in hot water.
Arrange the finished rolls, seam side down, in a glass baking pan measuring approximately 11-by-7 inches.
Spread diced tomatoes over the rolls.
In a separate bowl, dilute tomato paste, sauce, or juice with basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Heat the tomato mixture until it starts to bubble, or microwave it on high for 3 minutes.
Pour the tomato mixture over the rolls, ensuring that there is enough liquid to cover them. Add a little hot water if needed.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Bake the rolls, loosely covered, for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and nicely thickened.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with warm bread or cooked rice, along with a salad.

Variations

You can add different spices to the kufta meat patties for a unique flavor profile.
Try using ground lamb or turkey instead of beef for a different twist on the dish.
Add some chopped nuts or dried fruits to the kufta mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to broil the eggplant slices until they are soft and browned, but not fully cooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- When shaping the kufta patties, make sure they are evenly sized and shaped for even cooking.

- To secure the eggplant rolls, you can use a softened parsley stalk or toothpicks to hold them together.

- Make sure to cover the rolls with enough tomato sauce to keep them moist and flavorful during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the eggplant rolls with warm bread or cooked rice, along with a fresh salad on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the eggplant slices and kufta patties before baking ensures that they are cooked through and have a nice browned exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes in the tomato sauce. You can also use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making your own.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the eggplant rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just make sure to cover them tightly with foil to prevent them from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished eggplant rolls with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Eggplant rolls pair well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir. They also go well with a side of tzatziki or hummus for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover eggplant rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of eggplant rolls contains approximately 280 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of eggplant rolls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of eggplant rolls contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of eggplant rolls contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Eggplant is a good source of vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Eggplant rolls are a nutritious and satisfying dish, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They make a delicious and filling meal for any occasion.

Summary

Eggplant rolls are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender eggplant with flavorful kufta meat patties, all baked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or gathering, and is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Eggplant Rolls. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to learning new recipes from her.

On that particular day, Maria invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a special dish for dinner. As we worked side by side, she began to explain the process of making Eggplant Rolls. I watched in awe as she expertly sliced the eggplants into thin strips and then grilled them to perfection.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. Maria then showed me how to prepare the filling, which consisted of a delicious mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. As she carefully rolled the eggplant strips around the filling, I marveled at how beautiful and elegant they looked.

Once the Eggplant Rolls were assembled, Maria placed them in a baking dish and topped them with a rich tomato sauce. She then popped them into the oven to bake until the cheese was bubbly and golden brown. The anticipation of that first bite was almost unbearable, and when we finally sat down to eat, I was not disappointed.

The flavors of the Eggplant Rolls were out of this world – the smoky eggplant paired perfectly with the creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce. I couldn't believe how such simple ingredients could come together to create such a mouthwatering dish. Maria beamed with pride as I savored every bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

As I returned home from my visit with Maria, I couldn't wait to recreate her Eggplant Rolls for my family. I carefully followed her instructions, making sure to grill the eggplant just right and to season the filling with the perfect amount of herbs and cheese. When I pulled the dish out of the oven and saw the golden brown rolls topped with rich tomato sauce, I knew that I had done Maria proud.

My family's reaction to the Eggplant Rolls was just as enthusiastic as mine had been. They raved about the flavors and textures, and begged me to make the dish again and again. I was thrilled to have found such a delicious and versatile recipe that could be served as a main course or as a side dish.

Over the years, I have continued to make Maria's Eggplant Rolls for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I prepare the dish, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Italy when I first learned the recipe from my dear friend. I am grateful for the culinary wisdom that Maria shared with me, and I cherish the memories of our time spent together in the kitchen.

As I pass on the recipe for Eggplant Rolls to future generations, I hope that they will feel the same sense of amazement and delight that I did when I first learned to make this delicious dish. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions – it is about creating memories, sharing traditions, and celebrating the joys of food and family. And for me, Maria's Eggplant Rolls will always hold a special place in my heart.