Baked Eggplant Rolls: the light and tasty recipe that will win everyone over!
Eggplants, a versatile and tasty vegetable, lend themselves to endless preparations. Today we present a recipe that combines lightness and flavor, perfect for those looking for a delicious dish without compromising on fitness: baked eggplant rolls. With a fresh and aromatic filling of ricotta and mint, these rolls will win over everyone, even the most demanding palates.
Imagine thin, tender grilled eggplant slices wrapping around a creamy and aromatic filling. The soft and delicate ricotta pairs perfectly with fresh mint, adding a note of freshness and liveliness. Toasted pine nuts add a pleasant crunch, while raisins give a touch of sweetness. Everything is baked with a drizzle of oil for a light and tasty result.
I can’t resist…
I must confess I have a weakness for eggplants. I still remember when, as a child, my grandmother prepared the rolls. The intoxicating aroma spreading throughout the house, the eager anticipation to finally taste that delight… Even today, every time I smell eggplants baking, I’m taken back to those happy and carefree moments.
These rolls, with their simplicity and goodness, remind me of those authentic and genuine flavors that marked my childhood. I’m sure they will win you over too, just as they did me.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very economical
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Autumn, All seasons
- Energy 302.54 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 30.37 (g) of which sugars 19.05 (g)
- Proteins 11.66 (g)
- Fat 16.80 (g) of which saturated 6.72 (g)of which unsaturated 2.93 (g)
- Fibers 5.14 (g)
- Sodium 264.21 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 290 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 2 eggplants (Large)
- 2 cups g ricotta
- 1 bunch mint (Fresh)
- 3.5 oz g raisins
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp g salt (Fine)
- 1 pinch black pepper
Tools
- 1 Non-stick Grill
- 1 Baking dish Pyrex
Steps
To prepare these delicious light eggplant rolls, I started by washing and slicing the eggplants lengthwise, obtaining thin slices perfect for rolling. Then, I lit the barbecue and grilled the slices until they became soft and slightly golden, releasing an inviting smoky aroma. If you don’t have a barbecue, no problem! You can achieve the same result using a well-heated cast iron grill or, alternatively, a non-stick pan. The important thing is to ensure the eggplants are evenly cooked on both sides.
Meanwhile, let’s focus on preparing the filling that will make these rolls irresistible. In a bowl, I finely chopped the fresh mint with a knife, releasing its intoxicating aroma, and the raisins, which will add a touch of sweetness to the filling. If you desire an even richer flavor and a crunchy texture, you can also add and finely chop a handful of pine nuts or walnuts. This simple touch will make the filling even more inviting and satisfying.
Once the aromatic mince is ready, add it to the fresh ricotta in a large bowl. Add a pinch of salt, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and mix the mixture with a fork until you obtain a homogeneous and velvety cream. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper according to your personal taste. Now that the filling is ready, we can proceed to stuff our grilled eggplants and create the rolls.
Once the ricotta is ready and the grilled eggplant slices have slightly cooled, we can create our rolls. Gently, we spread a generous layer of the creamy ricotta filling on each eggplant slice. Make sure to distribute it evenly, leaving a small border free to facilitate rolling. Now, with a fluid motion, roll each slice onto itself, forming a compact and inviting roll. If necessary, we can secure the roll with a toothpick, to ensure it maintains its shape during baking.
Once all the rolls are ready, place them carefully in a baking dish, arranging them so they don’t overlap too much. For a touch of indulgence and a golden crust, sprinkle them with a light layer of grated cheese, such as Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano. Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, which will enhance the flavor of the eggplants and the filling. If you desire an even crunchier note, you can add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking.
Now that our rolls are ready for the grand finale, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the baking dish in the oven and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and inviting on the surface, with melted and slightly crispy cheese. Once ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about ten minutes. This brief interval will allow the flavors to meld further and the filling to slightly set, ensuring an even more satisfying taste experience.
These rolls, with their simplicity and goodness, are a true triumph of Mediterranean flavors. The delicateness of the ricotta, the freshness of the mint, the sweetness of the raisins, and the smokiness of the grilled eggplants come together in an irresistible embrace, creating a light, tasty, and satisfying dish.
Enjoy them, perhaps accompanied by a fresh salad or a side of seasonal vegetables. Bon appétit everyone!
Storage, Tips, and Variations:
Storage:
In the refrigerator: Baked eggplant rolls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
In the freezer: You can freeze the rolls, already cooked, in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for about 2-3 months. To thaw, leave them in the refrigerator overnight or reheat them directly in the oven at a low temperature.
Tips:
Eggplants: Choose firm eggplants without bruises. To reduce bitterness, you can sprinkle them with coarse salt and let them rest for 30 minutes before grilling.
Grilling:
Ensure the grill or pan is well-heated before grilling the eggplants to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking.
Filling:
You can customize the filling to your liking, adding, for example, toasted pine nuts, chopped walnuts, sliced black olives, or sun-dried tomatoes in oil.
Baking:
Check the rolls after 15 minutes. If the cheese is golden and the filling is thoroughly warm, they are ready.
Variations:
Vegetarian:
Replace ricotta with a vegan spreadable cheese and use vegan grated cheese for the topping.
Gluten-Free:
Omit the breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free alternative.
Spicy: Add a pinch of chili pepper to the filling or use spicy grated cheese.
With Meat:
Add crumbled sausage or diced cooked ham to the filling.
Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your perfect version of baked eggplant rolls!
Wine pairing for baked eggplant rolls: the light and tasty recipe that will win everyone over!
To accompany these light and tasty baked eggplant rolls, I recommend a fresh and aromatic white wine, capable of balancing the delicacy of the ricotta and the freshness of the mint, without overpowering the taste of the eggplants.
An excellent choice could be a Sardinian Vermentino or a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, both characterized by a pleasant acidity and floral and fruity notes that pair perfectly with the recipe.
Alternatively, you could opt for a Greco di Tufo, a Campanian wine with an intense and mineral aroma, good structure, and a persistent finish, capable of supporting the creaminess of the ricotta and the slight sweetness of the raisins.
If you prefer a red wine, I suggest a Sicilian Frappato young and lively, with soft tannins and red fruit scents, or a Bardolino Chiaretto, a delicate and fruity rosé from Veneto, perfect for accompanying light and summer dishes like these rolls.
In any case, remember that food-wine pairing is a personal and subjective experience.
Feel free to experiment and choose the wine you like best and that suits your taste!
Feel free to experiment and choose the wine you like best and that suits your taste!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I fry the eggplants instead of grilling them?
Of course, you can fry the eggplants instead of grilling them. If you prefer a softer texture and a more intense flavor, frying is a great alternative. Keep in mind that frying the eggplants will slightly increase the calorie content of the dish. If you choose to fry the eggplants, make sure to use plenty of peanut or sunflower oil, which have a high smoke point and are suitable for frying. Heat the oil well before placing the eggplant slices in it and fry them until they are golden and crispy. Once fried, drain them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. The rest of the preparation remains unchanged: fill the fried eggplants with the ricotta and mint filling, roll them up, place them in a baking dish, sprinkle them with cheese and a drizzle of oil, and bake until golden.
