Eggplant Rollups

Eggplant Rollups Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from New England

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Eggplant rollups are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of eggplant, cheese, and herbs. These rollups are perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends.

History

The origins of eggplant rollups are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have originated in Italy, where eggplant is a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes. The combination of eggplant, cheese, and herbs in a rollup form is a classic Italian flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tbsp garlic powder, divided
2 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
1 tbsp italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable oil for frying
2 large eggplants, peeled and sliced
1 (15 oz (425 g)) container ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 (10 oz (283 g)) package chopped frozen spinach, thawed and pressed
4 cup marinara sauce or 1 28 oz (794 g) jar tomato pasta sauce, divided

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a shallow mixing bowl, combine 3 eggs, 1 tbsp of garlic powder, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish or plate, pour the flour.
Heat oil in a large, deep skillet. Dredge the eggplant slices in flour, then in the egg mixture, and fry the slices 2 or 3 at a time in hot oil. Place the fried slices on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 0.5 cup of mozzarella, the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan, the remaining 1 tbsp of garlic powder, 1 egg, parsley, and spinach; mix well.
Spread about 0.33 of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place about 2 tbsp of the spinach mixture in the center of each eggplant slice and roll securely; place in the prepared pan. Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the eggplant rolls and top with the remaining 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked ground meat, such as beef or turkey, to the spinach mixture for a heartier dish.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach mixture for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to peel and slice the eggplant evenly to ensure that the rollups cook evenly.

- Pressing the thawed spinach helps to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the rollups from becoming soggy.

- Be careful when frying the eggplant slices, as they can cook quickly. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the eggplant rollups with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Dredging the eggplant slices in flour before frying helps to create a crispy coating.

- Rolling the eggplant slices tightly ensures that the filling stays inside during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use zucchini or yellow squash in place of eggplant for a different twist on this dish.

- Substitute fresh spinach for frozen spinach, but be sure to cook it before adding it to the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the eggplant rollups up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked eggplant rollups with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the eggplant rollups with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Merlot, for a classic Italian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover eggplant rollups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of eggplant rollups contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of eggplant rollups contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of eggplant rollups contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of eggplant rollups contains approximately 15 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 dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Eggplant rollups are a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Eggplant rollups are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of eggplant, cheese, and herbs. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me. On this particular day, she handed me a well-worn cookbook and pointed to a page that featured a recipe for Eggplant Rollups.

I had never tried making Eggplant Rollups before, but the combination of flavors and textures intrigued me. The recipe called for thinly sliced eggplant, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It seemed like a simple yet delicious dish to prepare.

Maria guided me through the process of making the Eggplant Rollups, showing me how to slice the eggplant just right and how to layer the ingredients to create a perfect roll. As we worked together in the kitchen, the aromas of garlic and tomato sauce filled the air, and I knew that this dish would be a hit with my family.

After baking the Eggplant Rollups to golden perfection, Maria and I sat down to enjoy our creation. The first bite was a revelation - the tender eggplant, creamy ricotta, and savory marinara sauce melded together in a symphony of flavors. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

From that day on, I made Eggplant Rollups whenever I wanted to impress my family or friends with a delicious and comforting meal. I experimented with different seasonings and cheeses, adding my own twist to the classic recipe. Each time I made the dish, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had mastered a new culinary skill.

Over the years, I shared the recipe for Eggplant Rollups with countless friends and family members. They all marveled at the simplicity and elegance of the dish, and many of them asked me to teach them how to make it themselves. I happily obliged, passing on the knowledge and love for cooking that Maria had instilled in me.

As I look back on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am grateful for the gift of the Eggplant Rollups recipe. It has brought me joy, connection, and countless delicious meals shared with loved ones. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that can be found in the simple act of creating something delicious.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a new recipe to try, I urge you to give Eggplant Rollups a chance. Let the flavors and textures transport you to a place of comfort and happiness, just as they have done for me. And who knows, perhaps this recipe will become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen, passed down through generations as a symbol of love, friendship, and the joy of cooking.