Description

Healthy Eggplant Rollatini is a wholesome and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender roasted eggplant slices filled with a savory blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and herbs, all baked to perfection in marinara sauce. This low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian recipe is perfect for a nutritious main course that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

Eggplant and Roasting

2 medium eggplants sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Filling

1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg lightly beaten

Vegetables and Seasonings

2 cups fresh spinach finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare eggplant: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the eggplant slices lightly with olive oil on both sides, then arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes until the eggplant is tender and pliable enough for rolling.
Make the cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, lightly beaten egg, finely chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Assemble the rollatini: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese and spinach mixture onto one end of each roasted eggplant slice. Gently roll the slice around the filling to form a roll.
Prepare baking dish and arrange rolls: Spread about half of the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Place the eggplant rolls seam-side down in the dish, packing them close together. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the rolls.
Bake: Bake the eggplant rollatini uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is heated through and the sauce is lightly bubbling.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm, enjoying a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Notes

For extra protein, add a few tablespoons of cottage cheese to the filling mixture.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to one day before baking.
Make sure not to over-roast the eggplant as it needs to stay pliable for rolling.