Mediterranean Eggplant Roll-Ups with Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with these elegant eggplant roll-ups filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, nestled beneath a rich roasted tomato basil sauce. This delectable dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, offering a satisfying and healthy vegetarian option. Even if you have eggplant skeptics at home, this dish may just convert them with its luscious textures and robust flavors, reminiscent of a savory lasagna. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of creamy, savory, and tangy notes, making it an impressive centerpiece at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe plum tomatoes
20 (Cut in half and seeded (about 2 2/3 lbs))
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (Divided, for roasting and sauce)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Fresh basil
1/3 cup (Minced)
Black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Eggplants
2 (About 9 inches long, trimmed and sliced)
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (For greasing baking sheets)
Frozen chopped spinach
1 (10-ounce) package (Thawed and well drained)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup (As filling)
Grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (As filling)
Shredded Swiss cheese
1 1/4 cups (For topping (Gruyere is best))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, toss the halved plum tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and salt. Arrange them, cut side down, on a nonstick baking sheet.
3
Roast the tomatoes in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, until the skins are blistered and the tomatoes are tender. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool.
4
Once cooled, transfer the roasted tomatoes to a food processor. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced basil, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until smooth to create your delicious tomato sauce. Set aside.
5
Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare the eggplants by trimming off the caps and stems. Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices, aiming for rectangular or oval shapes rather than rounds.
6
Lightly spray both sides of the eggplant slices with nonstick cooking spray, then arrange about 18 slices on a nonstick baking sheet. Bake the eggplant slices for about 10 minutes, then turn them over and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are tender. Allow them to cool.
7
Now, reduce the oven temperature again to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and well-drained chopped spinach with ricotta cheese and grated parmesan. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
8
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Take a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture and spread it evenly on each eggplant slice. Carefully roll the slices from the narrow end and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
9
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Once done, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the roll-ups, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
To serve, spoon the roasted tomato basil sauce over the eggplant roll-ups for a flavorful finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
Mediterranean Eggplant Roll-Ups with Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is a healthy vegetarian dish featuring spinach and cheese.
How many plum tomatoes are needed for the sauce?
You will need 20 ripe plum tomatoes, which is approximately 2 and 2/3 pounds.
What temperature should the oven be for roasting the tomatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the tomatoes roast?
Roast the tomatoes for approximately 20 minutes until the skins are blistered.
What ingredients are used to make the roasted tomato sauce?
The sauce consists of roasted tomatoes, olive oil, minced basil, and black pepper.
At what temperature do you bake the eggplant slices?
The eggplant slices are baked at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should the eggplants be sliced for the roll-ups?
Slice them lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick rectangular or oval slices.
How long do the eggplant slices need to bake?
Bake them for 10 minutes on one side, then turn and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
What is the temperature for the final baking stage?
The final baking temperature for the assembled roll-ups is 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is in the spinach and cheese filling?
The filling is made of thawed and drained chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan.
What size baking dish is used for the roll-ups?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended.
How do you prevent the eggplant from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lightly spray both sides of the eggplant slices with nonstick cooking spray.
How do you assemble the eggplant roll-ups?
Spread the spinach and cheese mixture on each slice, then roll from the narrow end.
How should the rolls be placed in the baking dish?
They should be placed seam side down to prevent them from opening.
Do you need to cover the dish while baking the roll-ups?
Yes, the dish should be covered with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking.
What cheese is used for the topping?
Shredded Swiss cheese is used, though Gruyere is noted as the best option.
How long do you bake the dish after adding the Swiss cheese?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When is the tomato basil sauce applied?
The sauce is spooned over the roll-ups just before serving.
How many eggplant slices should you aim for?
The recipe suggests preparing about 18 eggplant slices.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
3 tablespoons of olive oil are used, divided between the roasting process and the sauce.
How much fresh basil is required?
1/3 cup of minced fresh basil is used in the sauce.
What type of spinach is used?
One 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
1 cup of ricotta cheese is used for the filling.
What is the flavor profile of this recipe?
It features a balance of creamy, savory, and tangy notes similar to a lasagna.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as an impressive centerpiece suitable for a cozy family dinner.
Do you need to seed the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the plum tomatoes should be halved and seeded.
How should the tomatoes be arranged on the baking sheet?
They should be placed cut side down on a nonstick baking sheet.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese is needed for the filling.
How do you finish the sauce?
Transfer roasted tomatoes to a food processor with oil, basil, and pepper and blend until smooth.